In Josko Gvardiol, Manchester City have a defender who is unlike many other players in his position in the world.
While there are several technically gifted centre-backs in football nowadays, Gvardiol is one of the best of the best.
Moreover, the £77.6 million defender’s incredible technical ability allows him to not only play as a left-back but that too for a Pep Guardiola side.
Since signing for Manchester City in the summer of 2023, the Croatian has arguably not just been the best left-back in the Premier League but across world football.
Gvardiol recorded a unique statistic during City’s 3-2 win against Fulham; playing the most number of passes (32) in the final third out of any player in the Premier League.
Such a statistic exemplifies how special a player Gvardiol is.
Gvardiol names former Pep Guardiola target at Man City as his idol
In this respect, the 22-year-old is quite similar to John Stones.
So much so that Mateo Kovacic advised Gvardiol to study Stones’ game previously.
While Croatia have produced several incredible players in their history, it could be claimed that they have not produced a centre-back that possesses the former RB Leipzig colossus’ profile.
As a result, the youngster’s rise to the top would have stunned coaches and fellow players in his country.
In an interview with Pro: Direct Soccer, the Manchester City defender was asked to name his favourite player growing up.
Despite being a defender, Gvardiol named Lionel Messi.
“My favourite one, it’s [Lionel] Messi. And I mean, he’s still my favourite one because what he does is incredible and it’s difficult to explain it, how he does that and his quality on the ball and how clever he is is something I wish I have but it’s not me, it’s not for me I guess.”
Gvardiol revealed how he felt after facing Messi.
“Yeah, I’ve played against him a couple of times. I remember my first one at RB Leipzig against Paris [Saint-Germain], great game. I was on the bench, came on quite late but yeah, I was feeling really, really proud of myself.”
In August, it was reported that Messi was nearing a move to Manchester City from Barcelona in 2020; a move Pep Guardiola was on board with after discussing the potential mega-transfer with him in person.
However, the move did not materialise, which Gvardiol would be disappointed to hear as the pair could have played with each other at the Etihad Stadium.
Telling that Josko Gvardiol idolises Lionel Messi
It is telling that Gvardiol looked up to Messi growing up and continues to do so.
While the highly-rated centre-back seems to take pride in his defending, perhaps a reason why he is so accomplished technically is due to being drawn to the Inter Miami forward from a young age.
Being a left-footer like Messi as well, Gvardiol would have had another reason to closely assess his game.
Ultimately, even some of the best players in the world have their heroes and they study their game.
Gvardiol is no different and in fairness, every player to have ever stepped onto the pitch could learn a thing or two from Messi.
Having watched the World Cup winner from a young age at Barcelona is perhaps why the Zagreb-born technician was drawn towards playing for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
