Josko Gvardiol transfer will complete Man City’s defensive revolution amid Pep Guardiola’s war on full-back
Josko Gvardiol: Manchester City’s tactical approach for the upcoming season is set to undergo a notable transformation. Renowned for his preference for attacking full-backs, Pep Guardiola is now expected to field a defensive lineup featuring four natural center-backs.
Josko Gvardiol, a promising Croatian talent, is on the verge of joining Manchester City in a groundbreaking €100 million (£86m/$109m) deal with RB Leipzig. This move would make him the most expensive defender in history, signifying Guardiola’s strong belief in his abilities.
During his early days at Dinamo Zagreb, Gvardiol earned the nickname ‘Little Pep’ from his teammates due to the similarity in their names. Now, he has the opportunity to work under Guardiola himself, further fueling the connection between the two.
Guardiola’s tactical shift became evident in the previous season when he departed from his preference for attacking full-backs and opted for a formation with four center-backs. By acquiring Gvardiol instead of a full-back to replace the departing Joao Cancelo, Guardiola solidifies this new approach, showcasing an intriguing tactical development.
Gvardiol possesses all the qualities that Guardiola values in a defender. His technical prowess and comfort on the ball align perfectly with the coach’s requirements. Moreover, Gvardiol’s remarkable physical attributes have become increasingly important in Guardiola’s system.
Standing at an imposing 6’1, Gvardiol exhibits brutish strength that proves difficult for opponents to overcome. During the World Cup, he donned a black mask to protect a broken nose, further enhancing his intimidating presence. Gvardiol’s power allows him to dominate opponents and launch counter-attacks, as seen in Croatia’s impressive run to the semi-finals in Qatar.
In the first leg of RB Leipzig’s Champions League last-16 clash against Manchester City, Gvardiol showcased his strength by scoring a thunderous header to secure his team’s equalizer. He also engaged in a captivating physical battle with Erling Haaland, effectively limiting the Norwegian striker to just one shot. However, Haaland would exact revenge in the second leg, netting an astonishing five goals in a 7-0 rout.
The imminent arrival of Gvardiol, who excelled in the 2022 World Cup and has impressed in the Bundesliga over the past two seasons, is set to bolster Manchester City’s already formidable defense. Guardiola’s tactical evolution, marked by the transition to a four-center-back formation, is poised to solidify City’s dominance and further enhance their chances of success.
