Pep Guardiola praises Josko Gvardiol for the way he’s adjusted to life at Manchester City

Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Josko Gvardiol for the way he’s adjusted to life at Manchester City. The Croatian international has settled into life quickly at the European champions. His quality has been evident since he arrived from RB Leipzig in the summer.

Speaking before City’s Champions League Group G encounter with Young Boys the City manager spoke highly of Gvardiol. He said: “We knew he was an incredible person. He can play at centre-back, full-back. Defensively and offensively – he’s incredibly open-minded about what we want to do. He’s an incredible professional so we’re really pleased.”

Pep Guardiola also added that Gvardiol’s experience has helped him settle into the City squad. He added: “He has experienced already playing in the World Cup and European Cup. He won two Pokals in Germany, he is a regular in his national team. So he has a lot of experience aged 21.”

Gvardiol has made an instant impact since arriving in the summer. There has been no settling-in period for the Croatian defender unlike many other new City arrivals previously. His calmness in possession and defensive acumen have been a valuable addition to the treble winner’s squad.

It is no surprise that the former RB Leipzig defender has settled so well into Pep Guardiola’s squad. He was ranked the second-best defender in the ESPN FC top 100 list. Gvardiol also shone at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Croatia finished third at the tournament with Gvardiol one of the standout defenders of the World Cup.

Given Gvardiol’s start at the club, it appears that Manchester City have signed a player that could form the backbone of their defence for years to come.