Manchester City have a 23-year-old in their ranks who will become the best in the world in his position, according to Txiki Begiristain.
Manchester City bid farewell to Txiki Begiristain this summer, with the 61-year-old retiring after 13 years as the club’s director of football.
The Citizens have now released a feature-length film entitled A Farewell To Txiki, which looks back at Begiristain’s achievements over the course of his career.
And in the film, Begiristain spoke highly of one of the signings he made two years ago.
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Close up of Josko Gvardiol before a Man City match.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
The player in question is Josko Gvardiol, who City signed from RB Leipzig for around £78million two years ago.
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Begiristain, speaking on A Farewell To Txiki, proclaimed that Gvardiol is “going to be the best left-footed central defender in the world”.
Begiristain has always been a big fan of Gvardiol, singing his praises when he joined in 2023.
“Josko has so many qualities – everything you want in a centre-half,” he told the City media team at the time.
“He is fast, competitive, combative, strong in the air, impressive in possession of the ball, with strong self-belief and a good character.
“He is left-footed, too, which offers us good options at the back.”
Despite City not having a great campaign last term, Gvardiol was a rock at the back, with Rio Ferdinand deeming Gvardiol City’s player of the season.
He made 55 appearances in all competitions and shone at centre-back and at left-back for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Indeed, what Begiristain said about Gvardiol will come as no surprise to fans – the Croatian really is that good already, and he’s still young.
Begiristain also said Fernandinho is his favourite Man City signing of all time.
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The latest on Josko Gvardiol injury
Gvardiol is yet to play competitively for City this season due to an injury of unknown origin.
However, the Manchester Evening News speculates that Gvardiol could potentially be back for the derby next week.
Hopefully Gvardiol’s injury is not too serious, as he would be a much-needed presence in the huge game against Manchester United.