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'God has given him everything' - Rangers star hails Chelsea transfer target Gvardiol

talksport.com, 6 December 2022, 13:13
Rangers left-back Borna Barisic insists 'God has given everything' to Croatia's rising star Josko Gvardiol.

The RB Leipzig star has been in sensational form for his nation helping them to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.

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Brazil stand in the way of Zlatko Dalic's side reaching a second-consecutive World Cup semi-final following Monday's penalty shoot-out victory over Japan.

Gvardiol has been key to Croatia's success in Qatar with the 20-year-old centre-back ensuring his side have maintained a defensive solidity.

In their four games played at the World Cup, Croatia have conceded just two goals and Gvardiol has arguably been the stand out performer.

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Barisic has played alongside Gvardiol in Qatar and the Rangers man has given him high praise following his heroics so far.

"He plays like he has 100 caps for the national team. But that is what happens when God gives you everything," Barisic explained.

"In football, that is what he has and I think he will have an absolutely amazing career.

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"It seems like for him this is just some game without any pressure. Like he is playing with friends, he is very, very relaxed."

Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move for Gvardiol but, until now, there has been no official bid placed.

Their hesitancy, though, could backfire as his performances on the world stage could entice Leipzig to further increase their asking price with more suitors showing their interest.

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Manchester City and Real Madrid are believed to be monitoring Gvardiol and are ready for a potential bidding war to land the gifted defender.

His agent, Marjan Sisic, said on Monday that Gvardiol is 'not in a hurry' to decide his future but he may just have a decision to make if an interesting proposal comes his way off the back of his displays in Qatar.

So far, no challenge appears to have fazed Gvardiol but even he will know that Friday's clash with Brazil will grant him a test like no other.

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With Brazil in prolific goalscoring form after blitzing South Korea on Monday, Gvardiol will know he will have to be at his very best to shut out the threat of Vinicius Jr, Richarlison and Neymar.

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