Manchester City have signed ‘an unbelievable player’ in Josko Gvardiol.
That is the opinion of Gio van Bronckhorst, who came up against the defender in last season’s Europa League.
City last week finally agreed a £77.5 million move for the Croatia international.
The club spent weeks trying to get Leipzig to come down on their initial £85 million asking price.
And in the end they were successful.
City fans now cannot wait to watch the 21-year-old in action.
The £160,000-a-week star is in contention to play against Burnley on Friday night in the first game of the new season.
And van Bronckhorst has given his verdict, on a player he is well placed to comment on.
Gio van Brockhorst says Man City have signed an amazing talent in Josko Gvardiol
Yesterday, van Bronckhorst was on punditry duty for Stadium Astro.
He was casting his eye over the Community Shield between City and Arsenal, with the Gunners winning on penalties.
Gvardiol was at Wembley, but he was not a part of the squad.
Speaking about City’s newest star, van Bronckhorst gave an exciting verdict having seen him in the flesh for Leipzig when he was manager Rangers.
He said: “Gvardiol – I played against Red Bull last season with Rangers. He’s an unbelievable player. His all-round ability, he’s very strong in his physical duels, he’s fast, he has a good pass, he’s a good thinker, his intelligence on the pitch is high. To be recruited by City now, you cannot have a bigger compliment as a player. He will do fine.”
van Bronckhorst was then asked if he felt Gvardiol was like any other player in the game today.
“He’s quite similar to (Ruben) Dias now. Similar player. Physique, very good passer.”
Gvardiol will be amazing for Man City
This is an exciting verdict from van Bronckhorst who has obviously seen Gvardiol play up close.
A lot has now been written about him, and it’s clear he has serious potential.
He might need a bit of time just to get used to the Premier League.
But you would imagine it won’t take him to long, as he looks tailor-made for the English top-flight.
It will be very interesting to see Pep’s starting XI on Friday against Burnley.
Given Nathan Ake missed out against Arsenal through injury, it’s possible Gvardiol could come straight in against the Clarets.
