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‘One of the best talents in the world’: Fabrizio Romano stunned by reported Spurs target
Tottenham Hotspur have some work to do on the training ground and in the transfer market after the World Cup ends.
Spurs may be in a good position at present, but the team has flattered to deceive far too often over the past few months.
Defence is an area Tottenham could do with bolstering, and they’re apparently after “one of the best talents in the world”.
Namely, RB Leipzig defender and Croatia international Josko Gvardiol.
recently reported that Ivan Perisic was working to convince his compatriot to join Spurs.
However, Tottenham appear to be trailing behind Chelsea in the race for Gvardiol.
Fabrizio Romano recently provided an update on the Croatian’s future amid links with the likes of Tottenham and Chelsea.
He told his that the Blues still have some work to do to sign Gvardiol.
In addition, Gvardiol – who Romano deemed “one of best talents in the world in general and in his position probably the best talent in this moment” – is “keeping all his options open”.
‘A top move in 2023’
Though there’s not much indication as to which club the defender will join next, it looks as though a move is definitely on the cards in 2023.
“Josko Gvardiol, in September, signed a new deal with Red Bull Leipzig,” said Romano.
“But it’s important to say that the expectation internally at the club and from people close to the player is clear.
“Yes, he will change in 2023. He will have the chance to join a top club in 2023.
“This is the plan. We’ll see if it’ll be January, we’ll see if it’ll be in the summer.
“But Josko will have a top move in 2023. This is the expectation.”
Tottenham must not let their guard down on Gvardiol.
He is an incredible player who’d improve their squad for years to come.
“A fine technician”
The Bundesliga recently provided an in-depth scouting report on the player, who they compared to David Alaba.
“Perhaps the most important aspect of Gvardiol’s game is that he is a left-footed centre-back,” they wrote.
“This provides a fantastic outlet for Leipzig as they can line up the Croatian alongside a right-footed centre-back, with both totally comfortable in the position they are playing.
“Alaba has perhaps established himself as the world’s best left-footed centre-back, and Gvardiol has many similarities.
“You may think 6’1” is no mean height for a central defender. But his real strength comes in exactly that – his strength.
“Gvardiol is rarely bullied off the ball by his opposition. And in the physically demanding Croatian league, has learned exactly how best to use his body to his advantage.
“He has also built his confidence on the ball, where he is just as comfortable bringing possession out of defence as he is playing the ball to a teammate in a better position.”
Former Bayern striker and Croatia international Ivica Olic has described Gvardiol as an “extraordinary talent”.
He added: “He can play great long balls, is a fine technician and is physically very strong.”