West Ham United: David Moyes wowed by Croatia star Josko Gvardiol amid Premier League transfer speculation
West Ham boss David Moyes has been left heavily impressed with Josko Gvardiol for his outstanding performances in the World Cup for Croatia.
While writing his column for The Times (8 December), the Hammers boss predicts the 20-year-old centre back to become a “super player” in the future and tips him to move to the Premier League within the next few years.
The RB Leipzig defender could be in demand in January, with Fabrizio Romano [2 December] sharing on Twitter that Chelsea are working on a deal to sign him.
“They [Croatia] have never had quite the same goal threat since Mario Mandzukic retired and, at 37, this is surely Luka Modric’s last World Cup,” wrote Moyes for The Times.
“They have begun a process of transitioning to a younger generation and need to find more talents with the quality of the outstanding Josko Gvardiol.
“I picked out Gvardiol, 20, as one of the talents to watch at this tournament and he really is going to be a super player.
“He was Croatia’s left back at Euro 2020 but is probably going to play most of his career at left centre back, where we’re seeing him here.
“He came through the Red Bull system and they excel at picking out new talents from eastern Europe. I’ll be amazed if he doesn’t come to the Premier League in the next couple of years.”
Outstanding
The youngster has been outstanding for Croatia in the World Cup. He is easily recognisable because of his mask which he wears to protect a broken nose he suffered last month.
He was is superb in Croatia’s match against Belgium, and has been hailed as “sensational” and “destined for greatness” by Times journalist, James Gheerbrant [8 December].
The youngster has shown a remarkable ability to break the pass and carry the ball upfield to almost close to the opposition half. It shows his confidence with the ball on his feet.
In terms of defending, the first thing you notice about him is that he hasn’t allowed his concentration level to drop. The heroic tackle he made to deny a late chance for Romelu Lukaku gives an indication of how focused he is on the pitch.
He is an excellent passer and reads the game very well. Should the Hammers make an effort to sign him?
Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna are expected to leave next summer, and there will be room for a new addition.