Alex Crook has been speaking about Manchester City No.24 Josko Gvardiol ahead of Saturday’s clash against Liverpool.
The talkSPORT pundit made the comments on talkSPORT’s Premier League All Access podcast.
So, what was said about Josko Gvardiol? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, Pep Guardiola does not have many uncertain areas within his squad, although the left-back department is lacking a standout option.
Nathan Ake has been used there at times this season, as has Sergio Gomez, although Gvardiol occupies the position more than most following his £77.6m move from RB Leipzig, despite preferring to play centrally.
The Croatia international has made 12 starts for Manchester City so far, although Crook is yet to be won over by the 21-year-old.
He said: “I am not convinced yet by Josko Gvardiol. I think he is still finding his feet in English football.”
In our view, that is a bit unfair from Crook, given the fact the £200,000-a-week Croatian has been playing out of position, and is also adapting to a new country at the age of just 21.
Scott Minto – who was on the podcast alongside Crook and Sam Matterface – gave a more balanced view of the situation at Manchester City in that area of the pitch.
He added: “What I would say on a serious level is, we’ve seen Pep Guardiola put Bernardo Silva in that role, we’ve seen him put other players in that role. It’s a very technical position, it does stretch the balance of the side if you haven’t got a proper left-back in there.”
Manchester City seemingly not planning to use Josko Gvardiol at left-back forever
By the sounds of it, Manchester City do want to sign a more natural left-back.
According to Graeme Bailey, there is said to be interest in Bayern Munich No.19 Alphonso Davies, one of the best left-backs in Europe.
Furthermore, a separate story from 90min claims that the treble winners are also looking at Inter Milan No.32 Federico Dimarco, who has shone at left-back in recent years.
Be sure to keep an eye on this topic going into 2024, as Boca Juniors No.19 Valentin Barco has also been mentioned as someone who could come in and fill the void at left-back.
