Josko Gvardiol’s performance for Manchester City against Chelsea yesterday had ESPN expert Craig Burley declaring that he is “not a full-back.”
One of the most interesting draws of the season thus far saw Pep Guardiola’s team draw 4–4 with the Blues at Stamford Bridge.
Although the match was tense and thrilling, every point was most likely awarded in the end.
Guardiola might have been concerned by City’s uncharacteristically careless defense.
Although four goals isn’t typical for City, yesterday’s defense was questionable, and Ruben Dias in particular received criticism for his play.
Josko Gvardiol was not without problems at times.
According to Sky pundit Jamie Carragher, Pep wouldn’t be too happy with his defense of Chelsea’s first goal.
Burley, nevertheless, feels that the Croatian international isn’t playing at his best right now.
Josko Gvardiol, according to Craig Burley, is “not a full-back” for Manchester City. Burley provided commentary on the game for the ESPN YouTube channel in a video.
Like many others, he was taken aback by Man City’s apparent defensive weakness on that particular day.
That is undoubtedly not what the Pep side is known for.
He then discussed Gvardiol.
“Gvardiol is a good player,” he confirmed.
He is not a fullback, though.
He didn’t train in the proper manner for his Chelsea debut goal.
All of it is incorrect.
Nathan Ake has been sidelined as well, so he’s not alone.
There went Akanji.
It’s a concern, in my opinion, but it might also be a minor vulnerability for this City team.
Gvardiol could have handled Chelsea’s opening goal more skillfully.
However, Dias was also out of position and unable to go back and stop the former RB Leipzig player.
Even though Gvardiol had a rough day at work, he still played excellent ball handling.
His accuracy rate is 94% (51/54), which is passing.
Along with winning 5/8 duels, he also made 3 tackles and 3 clearances (Sofascore).
An uncommon battle for Gvardiol Possibly Gvardiol’s poorest performance for City since his high-profile summer transfer.
However, some of the criticism leveled at him is rather absurd.
Prior to the Chelsea game, Gvardiol—who was paid £130,000 per week—performed admirably as a left winger for Man City.
He has demonstrated outstanding technical skill and strong defensive play in prior games.
In the end, Gvardiol is still a young player, and maybe this is overlooked given how at ease and mature he seems.
In his inaugural season in English football, he will occasionally play these types of games.
You have to give people like Reece James and Raheem Sterling credit.
Gvardiol found life uncomfortable with both of them.
However, he will grow as a player and absorb the lesson from it.
