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From RBL to world-class star: Joško Gvardiol returns to Leipzig
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- From RBL to world-class star: Joško Gvardiol returns to Leipzig
From RBL to world-class star: Joško Gvardiol returns to Leipzig
Joško Gvardiolis set to return to Leipzig, where he previously won two DFB-Pokal trophies and made several unforgettable memories. The 24-year-old will line up for Manchester City at the Red Bull Arena on Wednesday evening (21:00 CET). The Croatian has gone from strength to strength since moving to England, reaching heights he never thought possible.
Upamecano's successor hits the ground running
RBL recognised his potential early on. Back in September 2020, the club agreed a deal to sign the then 18-year-old from Dinamo Zagrebthe following summer. Our sporting director at the time, Markus Krösche, described Joško as " one of the most promising young defenders in Europe."The Croatian lived up to that billing when he arrived for the 2021/22 season to fill the void left by Dayot Upamecano. He immediately established himself as a regular starter for RBL, winning over the fans with his physical style of play. But there was much more to Joško's game than his ability to win challenges. His pace, technical ability and visionalso made him a real threat going forward.Joško won two trophies during his two seasons with the Red Bulls, lifting the DFB-Pokal in both 2022 and 2023. By then, Europe's biggest clubs were already queuing up. Manchester City eventually won the race to sign him.
High praise from Pep Guardiola
The defender wasted little time settling in at Man City either. Just a few months after his arrival, head coach Pep Guardiolawas already full of praise for his new signing: "We knew he was an incredible person. He can play centrally or out wide, defensively or offensively. He's very receptive to what we ask of him and incredibly professional."Joško has added plenty more silverware to his collection at City. The 24-year-old has since become a Club World Cup winner, UEFA Super Cup winner, Premier League champion and League Cup winner." I never thought I'd get this far," the Croatia international admitted some time ago. "If you'd asked me five years ago whether I could see myself at Manchester City in 2023, 2024 or 2025, I'd have said there was no chance. Absolutely impossible."
Contract extended until 2031
Even Joško himself seems to have been surprised by just how good he has become. Apart from the second half of last season, when a fractured shinbonekept him sidelined for an extended period, our former defender has been a regular fixture in Manchester City's starting XI.He has remained an important player under new head coach Enzo Marescathis season, impressing whether deployed at left-back or in the centre of defence.Joško signed a contract extension with Manchester City this summer, committing his future to the club until 2031. Sporting director Hugo Vianasaid at the time: "He's an exceptional young footballer and already one of the best defenders in the world." His two years with the Red Bulls played an important part in helping him reach that level.
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