Frank Leboeuf has said that Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol did not cover himself in glory against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
On ESPN FC, the pundit was quizzed about how the Sky Blues should fix their defensive woes and as he focused on their leaky display at the back against Ange Postecoglou’s side, he pinpointed Gvardiol as a weak link.
The £200,000-a-week (Sport Rac) has been getting plenty of stick this season, with Craig Burley also once describing him as a “pretty average full-back.”
Frank Leboeuf says he “wasn’t very impressed” by Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol against Tottenham
Alex Crook also claimed less than two weeks ago that the Croatian defender is yet to fully settle in at the Etihad Stadium.
Nedum Onuoha claimed that while he is convinced that the 21-year-old will improve with time, he admitted that there is a certain level of “naivety” to his game currently.
Frank Leboeuf briefly summed up his thoughts on the performance on show from Josko Gvardiol for Manchester City as they drew 3-3 to Tottenham, telling ESPN FC, “I wasn’t very impressed by Gvardiol today.”
Josko Gvardiol needs time to adapt
Frank Leboeuf may have a point as Josko Gvardiol was caught out of position for Son Heung-min’s opening goal for Tottenham against Manchester City.
Then again, to Spurs’ credit, their counter-attack for the goal was outstanding after City ceded possession after taking a corner.
But for the most part, Gvardiol had a solid game against the North Londoners.
However, against Chelsea as well, the youngster was far from his best.
Due to the fact that Nathan Ake has mastered the defensive left-back position, perhaps it may look easier than one thinks.
But for a new signing to adapt to an unnatural position as well as Pep Guardiola’s tactics in his debut season is far from a simple task.
As a result, patience needs to be afforded to Josko Gvardiol, who has largely impressed during his time at the Etihad Stadium.
In any case, with young players, one is bound to witness constant ups and downs.
