Gvardiol

2022 - 12 - 13

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Daily Express"

Why is Man Utd and Chelsea target Josko Gvardiol wearing a mask ... (Daily Express)

Josko Gvardiol will be key to Croatia upsetting the odds against Argentina to reach the World Cup final.

Gvardiol was left bloodied and battered, leaving the field and heading straight to hospital. Gvardiol ended up breaking his nose just weeks before the World Cup starting in Qatar. Croatia starlet Josko Gvardiol may well stand out for his solid displays in defence, but he's also hard to miss with a black protective mask on his face.

Josko Gvardiol taught a harsh lesson by Lionel Messi (The Times)

Every day, Tihomir Gvardiol's alarm goes off at 4am. He dresses, puts on his wellies and goes to work. He's a fishmonger at the Dolac, a farmers' market in ...

Lionel Messi's masterclass: Brutal World Cup 2022 moment that ... (Mirror.co.uk)

Lionel Messi produced arguably the most-dropping moment of the 2022 World Cup in Argentina's semi-final victory over Croatia, assisting Julian Alvarez to ...

"Messi the other night – he was walking around the pitch," [Gary Neville](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/gary-neville) firmly declared to [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com). [RB Leipzig](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/rb-leipzig) teammate Willi Orban in early November - but because of his standout performances in the Middle East. "And he's just taken Argentina to the final of the World Cup. [shock 2-1 defeat](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/saudi-arabia-defy-expectations-argentina-28555044) to unfancied Group C opponents [Saudi Arabia](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/saudi-arabia-football-team) prompted voices of doubt from around the globe. The goal was just about capable of describing, but what about the man? He'd given his country a night to remember, the football community a feeling of awe to embrace, and the young Croatian who attempted to stop him nightmares for weeks. [Lionel Messi](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/lionel-messi)? On the biggest stage of all, the [World Cup](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/world-cup-2022?service=responsive), [Argentina's](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/argentina-football-team) talismanic magician is producing one of the all-time great solo campaigns. Stunningly, a thrust of his left arm held the burly 6ft 1in defender off. Edge of the box, back to goal' - it all seemed as if the Leipzig stalwart had managed to stunt his opponent's progress. [Paris Saint-Germain](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/paris-saint-germain) superstar switched into high gear, letting his unmatched instinct consume him and charging down the right flank. Blown away by two rapid-fire Argentine goals, - one of which an awesomely-struck Messi penalty - Croatia attempted to fight back and the second period showed signs that they were still in the contest, despite being seriously lacking in the final third.

Manchester United should already know their transfer decision on ... (Manchester Evening News)

Josko Gvardiol is shining for Croatia at the World Cup in Qatar and Man United are among the clubs to be linked with a transfer for the RB Leipzig defender.

On too many occasions United have spent big money to bring in a player without understanding how he fits into their team and with the price tag attached to Gvardiol, this would hinder Ten Hag spending in other areas. It is clear he is an exceptional defender and if he moves to Chelsea he will likely massively improve their defence. His highlight real includes last-ditch tackles and impressive ball carrying from the back amongst a number of other impressive feats. Reports in Germany have linked Erik ten Hag's side with a move however Gvardiol's price tag could reach nearly €100m. The reason that Martinez is so effective is due to his passing range and this is helped by the fact that he is a left-footed defender playing on the left-hand side of the back four. [United](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/manchester-united-fc) need to sign Gvardiol even if it is clear that he is an exceptional defender?

Josko Gvardiol can send £90m transfer message to Todd Boehly ... (Football.London)

Josko Gvardiol and Croatia are looking to earn their place in the World Cup final and have the stern task of facing Lionel Messi and Argentina to claim to ...

To show his quality, Gvardiol will have to be part of a disciplined team performance, but his role will be pivotal in any Croatian success. Croatia have not always been forceful in their forward play, but Gvardiol has shown a tendency to defend on the front foot and to challenge for the ball early. [Messi will not be man-marked](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/croatia-mateo-kovacic-lionel-messi-25735903), and Gvardiol and his defensive partner Dejan Lovren may more regularly find themselves up against Lautaro Martinez or Julian Alvarez, but they will have to be aware of where the danger Messi provides will arrive from, and monitor every run from Argentina's forwards. [£43million release clause activating at the end of 2022/23](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/chelsea-jude-bellingham-paul-pogba-25581195) will only draw more interested parties and clubs will look to exercise any advantage they can. Overcoming Croatia and whoever should arrive in the World Cup final would cement Messi's legacy but the tournament so far has seen Gvardiol begin to forge his own. Lionel Messi is not necessarily the force he was in his younger years but at 35 has still netted four goals for Argentina in the tournament so far in addition to two further assists.

Josko Gvardiol's old quote about Lionel Messi resurfaces after ... (SPORTbible)

Prior to Tuesday's semi-final clash, Gvardiol had starred for Croatia and enhanced his reputation as a budding centre-back with his solid performances in the ...

"There are a lot of years from this year to the next one. To finish this way is brilliant." In his defence, no one has at this World Cup. That's also according Gvardiol as a clip of him talking about the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has resurfaced following their duel. That is really very gratifying," he said. [The Argentina captain absolutely destroyed Gvardiol](https://www.sportbible.com/football/lionel-messi-assist-croatia-julian-alvarez-world-cup-143998-20221213) for his side's third goal as he went on a magical run to set up Julian Alvarez.