Gvardiol to crash Argentina’s party?

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The midfield trio of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic have taken the headlines, but the young prodigy Josko Gvardiol has been just as influential in the Croatians’ push for a place in the World Cup final. 

Croatia shocked the footballing world once again after sending the tournament favourites Brazil home, despite going 1-0 down in extra time. Gvardiol had a man of the match performance starving the Brazilian attack of opportunity with his awareness and anticipation keeping one of the stars of the tournament, Richarlison, out of the game.

Gvardiol became the most expensive Croatian teenager ever when he transferred from Dinamo Zagreb to Red Bull Leipzig for a fee of 16 million Euros plus add-ons, where he has become one of the best prospects in world football. The biggest clubs in Europe are circling the centre back with Chelsea already having an 80-million-pound bid rejected by Leipzig in August.

Gvardiol is the complete package when it comes to a defender, showing pace few attackers can match, a level of physicality that even the likes of Romelu Lukaku have struggled to deal with, and he is as comfortable in possession as the midfield three in front of him. 

There were doubts over the ability of the young Croatian to adapt to playing in a back four prior to the tournament but his performances have silenced his doubters being arguably the best defender in Qatar.

The Argentinian attacking threat spearheaded by Lionel Messi will be the biggest challenge the Croatians have faced so far in the tournament, but Gvardiol and his Croatian teammates will no longer be underestimated, this is their chance to make history once again.

Photo: Twitter/@AllDayRodgers

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Dylan Johnson