, Luke Shaw (£5m) and Virgil van Dijk (£5m), three defenders who have produced plenty of points between them in recent years. So why has Manchester City's new signing been slapped with such a costly price tag when he's unproven on English shores? 3 "The world's best centre-back" Credit: DREAM TEAM Firstly, Gvardiol arrives with a flattering reputation; during the 2022 World Cup, his national manager Zlatko Dalic dubbed him "the best centre-back in the world". The 21-year-old's stock went through the roof during the tournament in Qatar thanks to a series of impressive performances, although his share price dipped a fraction when he became the victim of a classic Lionel Messi dribble in the semi-finals. In terms of his profile, Gvardiol seems perfectly suited to Pep Guardiola's system. His most natural role is the one Nathan Ake (£4m) predominantly occupied last season, left-back/left-sided centre-back depending on the phase of play. While the Dutchman is comfortable in possession, Gvardiol is considerably more ambitious - he carries the ball more often, in an elegant manner too. 3 Gvardiol starred for Croatia at the World Cup Credit: GETTY The former RB Leipzig defender is also capable of accurate long balls for runners in behind, something Erling Haaland (£8.5m) would welcome at the Etihad. Ake is the superior defender in one-on-one situations out wide but Gvardiol is an excellent reader of the game, one who plays with a maturity beyond his years - as evidenced best by his majestic showing against Brazil in Qatar. talkSPORT BET Welcome offer Get £40 in free bets when you bet £20 - CLAIM HERE 18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £20 on any football at 2.00+ odds within 7 day){kind=link}
DREAM TEAM managers will have to cough up £5million of their initial £50million budget if they wish to back Josko Gvardiol ahead of Gameweek 1.
The Croatian defender has been added to the game at the same price as John Stones (£5m), Luke Shaw (£5m) and Virgil van Dijk (£5m), three defenders who have produced plenty of points between them in recent years.
So why has Manchester City’s new signing been slapped with such a costly price tag when he’s unproven on English shores?
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Firstly, Gvardiol arrives with a flattering reputation; during the 2022 World Cup, his national manager Zlatko Dalic dubbed him “the best centre-back in the world”.