"Football Manager got it spot on" - Fans believe Croatia star is 'limitless' after shining in 2-1 FIFA World Cup third-place playoff win
Football fans have taken to social media to heap praise on Josko Gvardiol after he impressed in Croatia's 2-1 win over Morocco in the FIFA World Cup third-place playoff.
Croatia were one of the biggest surprises of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, making their way into the final. They repeated the trick again in Qatar this year, earning a place among the last four of the tournament.
While Kockasti's World Cup dream ended after they lost to Argentina in the semi-finals, they finished the competition on a high. They notably beat Morocco 2-1 in their third-place playoff match on Saturday (December 17).
Starring in the match for Zlatko Dalic's side was Gvardiol, who was one of Croatia's best players throughout the tournament. The RB Leipzig defender opened the scoring for his side and also impressed at the back. Awed by the youngster, one fan wrote on Twitter:
"Josko Gvardiol was unreal this World Cup, Football Manager got it spot on once again."
Josko Gvardiol was unreal this World Cup, Football Manager got it spot on once again https://t.co/G6lDoZpQ09
Here are some more reactions to Gvardiol's impressive performance against Morocco in the FIFA World Cup third-place playoff match:
Joลกko Gvardiol ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
Gvardiol can defend, create chances & attack at the same time
Joลกko Gvardiol, Not many central defenders of his age are as good as him
I don't care if we have 12 CB's I'm never saying no to this Croatian beast... Gvardiol is that guy โค๏ธ๐ https://t.co/AcdthzbOMt
Croatia takes the bronze medal of the World Cup 2022 ๐ฅ Gvardiol with his masterpiece of a header โค
His potential is absolutely limitless and can become one of the best defenders we've ever seen ๐ https://t.co/Bz4WQ1kgai
Josko Gvardiol is just 20 years old and was one of the standout defenders of this World Cup.
He's about to get paid ๐ฐ
#MunchitXFootball https://t.co/bEPo9TNkfh
I was super excited by Gvardiol's performance in this World Cup. He was absolutely perfect. Chelsea should go all out for him. There isn't a better defender than him in the world right now. Agent Kovacic, please make it happen. twitter.com/CFCPys/status/โฆ
Gvardiol did not miss a single minute of action for Dalic's side during the FIFA World Cup. He found the back of the net once for the team and also helped them keep two clean sheets in seven matches.
Croatia's FIFA World Cup star Gvardiol is a wanted man
Gvardiol is widely regarded as one of the best up-and-coming defenders across Europe. The 20-year-old's performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup have only seen his stock go up.
Chelsea were notably credited with an interest in signing him from Leipzig last summer. It appears more clubs are now entering the race to acquire his services next year.
According to reports, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United have made offers for Gvardiol. The Premier League giants are seemingly prepared to fork out a sum in excess of โฌ90 million for him.
While Chelsea and Manchester United have offered โฌ90 million and โฌ95 million respectively, Manchester City are willing to go beyond that. They are ready to pay Leipzig a sum in excess of โฌ100 million, including add-ons, for Gvardiol.
The centre-back, though, could still attract more transfer interest in the coming months. It thus remains to be seen what his future holds, but Leipzig are nevertheless in line to earn a significant amount of money.