Rio Ferdinand agrees that reported Chelsea target Josko Gvardiol could turn into one of the game’s very best centre-backs.
Speaking on the BBC ahead of Croatia’s World Cup game versus Japan, Ferdinand and Gary Lineker discussed the potential of the RB Leipzig player.
Gvardiol has been grabbing the praise and plaudits from pundits since he embarked on his mission in Qatar.
The 20-year-old started all of Croatia’s group games, keeping two clean sheets and conceding just once.
He and Dejan Lovren have been at the heart of their country’s impressive defence record, blending youthful exuberance and vital experience.
Whilst former Liverpool man Lovren is at the latter stages of his international career, the man beside him is very much the future of the sport.
Although sometimes it can be detrimental to overhype young talents, the propaganda behind Josko is very much justified.
Croatia manager certainly didn’t make any attempt to lower the hype surrounding fanfare surrounding the Leipzig star by calling him ‘the best stopper (defender) in the world’.
“His coach says he’s the best defender in the world and if he isn’t number one now, he will be. Is he that good?” asked Lineker during the topic of Gvardiol’s greatness.
“Yeah, I have to say he’s been my favourite defender at the tournament to watch so far,” replied Ferdinand.
“He has great presence, he’s happy for the battle, physical and has a wand of a left-foot and he has pace as well.
“All those attributes are what you need as a modern-day defender.”
Josko Gvardiol really is a gem
Gvardiol certainly has all the attributes to make it to the very top.
He is destined to get there, but just as long as the next step in his career is the right one.
Will Chelsea be the ideal stepping stone for the Croatian gem?
Todd Boehly appears to think so.
Reports continue to rumble in that the Stamford Bridge owner is ready to make a move for Gvardiol, having already attempted to do so in summer.
Leipzig held off Boehly’s previous advances, with the Bundesliga side valuing their defensive rock at £75m.
But with Chelsea’s current back-line struggling to keep clean sheets, a huge fee might be required to sort out Graham Potter’s problems.
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