Josko Gvardiol has impressed at centre-back in recent games, leaving Pep with a decision to make
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has praised Josko Gvardiol for his recent performances at centre-back for the Cityzens.
The Croatian has slotted seamlessly into the position alongside Ruben Diaz for City’s last four games, while youngster Nico O’Reilly has replaced him at left back. In that time, City have kept a clean sheet in three out of four and conceded only two goals.
“I like him there,” said Guardiola at his press conference ahead of Tuesday’s home game against Aston Villa. “Especially the build up with the left. He’s so fast going in behind.”
Gvardiol was signed from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023. He had played primarily as a centre-back until Guardiola shifted him to left back. Interestingly, the Croatia international made the full back position his own, scoring 10 goals and providing five assists.
However, having been redeployed to the centre-back position, he is now reminding Guardiola of why exactly City spent upwards of £77 million to bring him to the Etihad. Guardiola will have a decision to make when he has a full squad available.
“Him and Ruben talk a lot and they are doing a really good partnership. It’s an option,” said Guardiola.
“I don’t think the club needs central defenders,” Guardiola added. “we have a lot and we bought two young ones. It’s important to have a player that can play there and left back.”
