Despite Manchester City losing 1-0 to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup, Steph Houghton reserved special praise for Josko Gvardiol.
Speaking on City’s half-time show during the Carabao Cup clash, the pundit was quizzed about her thoughts on the £77.6 million (Sky Sports) man’s performance.
Steph Houghton lauded Josko Gvardiol, who was one of the standouts for Manchester City against Newcastle United on Wednesday night.
Steph Houghton raves about ‘flawless’ Josko Gvardiol despite Manchester City losing to Newcastle
Branded as ‘phenomenal’ by Mateo Kovacic, the 21-year-old lived up to his reputation of being a Rolls-Royce of a centre-back.
The Croatian colossus was imperious defensively, keeping Alexander Isak quiet on a number of occasions, made a number of decisive challenges and was typically brilliant on the ball.
As the scores were tied at 0-0 at half-time between Manchester City and Newcastle, Steph Houghton praised Josko Gvardiol, saying, “For me, there’s been so much hype about him before he came to the club and we’ve seen him in that left-back position.”
“But I think tonight, apart from maybe that little mistake in the first-half [underhit pass to Kalvin Phillips], his performance has been flawless to be honest.”
Steph Houghton elaborated on why Josko Gvardiol looks like a special talent as Manchester City were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle.
“His decision-making, both on and off the ball I think, his defending when we need him to defend, he’s always in the right position, he’s a threat on set-pieces and he’s still only 21, which is quite scary. To see that he’s performing at this level now, what could he be like in the next two or three years?”
“So, to show maturity as a defender is quite hard at such a young age but he’s definitely shown that since he’s been here.”
Josko Gvardiol is destined for greatness
Steph Houghton hit the nail on the head as the Manchester City new-boy showcased once again why he is the real against Newcastle.
Both as a pure defender and in possession, there are not many defenders in the world that are as well-rounded as him.
Add that to the fact that whether it be in his natural role in central defence or as a left-back, Gvardiol looks at ease.
Under Pep Guardiola’s guidance and at only 21, there is no limit to the youngster’s ceiling.
