RB Leipzig and Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol has responded to rumours linking him with Real Madrid, calling Los Blancos the ‘biggest club in the world’.
The 20-year-old defensive wunderkind has been highly impressive at the World Cup and has also been linked with a big-money move to the Premier League side Chelsea.
Amid Croatia’s World Cup success, Gvardiol took time to acknowledge potential links with Real Madrid in a way which may excite Madrid fans, given the club’s history of signing players on the back of strong World Cup showings.
The likes of Mesut Ozil and James Rodriguez made high-profile moves to the club following successful World Cups, and the defender could be next in line.
Speaking to Spanish sources (via Fabrizio Romano), he stated that he would love to play for the club one day, whilst also claiming that he would not need any persuasion from Croatia legend and teammate Luka Modric.
He said: “Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world, so who knows… maybe one day I can play there. I would like to, yes.
“Luka doesn’t have to tell me anything about Real Madrid, there’s no need. I already know everything, I know it’s the biggest club in the world and how important it is to be linked to such a team.”
TIF Thoughts on Gvardiol…
The centre-back has made 19 appearances for his club this season and astonishingly ranks in the top 5% of European central defenders for passes, progressive passes and dribbles, as per FBref.
This highlights his remarkable ability on the ball, and his dribbling, in particular, can help replace the runs Sergio Ramos would make for years at the Santiago Bernabeu.
With Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Eder Militao already at the club, he may have a hard time gaining regular minutes immediately should he move to Madrid, while a move to Chelsea may afford him more game time, but his clear adoration for the club means that if they want him badly enough, they may well be able to secure his signature.