5 Things You Need To Know About Josko Gvardiol: Tuchel’s Favoured Replacement For Rudiger

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has identified RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol as one of his main targets to strengthen the backline, according to reports in the German media.

It is believed Tuchel is a big fan of the young Croatian, who he thinks could be the perfect replacement for the departing Antonio Rudiger.

Gvardiol is a player that has been on the radar of a number of top European clubs, with many feeling he has a very bright future in the game.

Press the next page as we look at five interesting facts about the centre-half.

1) He Came Through Dinamo Zagreb’s Famed Academy

Dinamo are well known for producing top players, with Luka Modric and Chelsea’s own Mateo Kovacic having spent their formative years at the Croatian club.

Gvardiol was actually at Dinamo for ELEVEN years, moving from NK Tresnjevka in 2010 and making his way through the youth ranks before going on to make his senior debut in October 2019.

2) Gvardiol Only Moved To RB Leipzig Last Summer

The centre-back’s performances quickly grabbed the attention of scouts across Europe but the excellent talent spotters at the Red Bull group were the ones who eventually snapped up the player last July.

Leipzig spent €20m to secure Gvardiol’s services, which was not far off the Bundesliga club’s transfer record, and the defender has been paying back the faith shown in him with his performances.

3) Despite Only Being 20, He Is A Regular Starter For Croatia

Even though Gvardiol only recently turned 20 in January, he now has 10 caps for his country, having played every match during the European Championships last summer as a left-back.

The defender actually got his first international goal in a 3-0 win over Cyprus in a World Cup qualifier back in October.

4) Gvardiol Is A Modern Centre Back Who Can Dribble Better Than Rudiger!

Looking at the Croatian’s statistics, you can understand why Tuchel is so keen to sign him. He is left-footed so he would fit in perfectly where Rudiger currently plays on the left-hand side of defence.

Gvardiol is also pretty strong in the air, but it is his dribbling ability that is his standout attribute. He has attempted 45 dribbles this season alone, completing 31 of them. Rudiger, who is known for making runs forward on the ball, has only attempted 40 over the past five seasons.

5) The Player’s Transfer Stance And Chelsea’s Interest

At the moment, it is thought that the Blues have not contacted Gvardiol’s agent, and the reason for that is obvious. The club remain in takeover talks and no discussions are expected to take place with transfer targets until the situation is resolved.

For his part, Gvardiol is believed to be happy to stay at Leipzig but, if Chelsea do come calling in the coming months, he may reconsider his options.

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