Josko Gvardiol has shared what he thought about Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk when growing up as a young player.
Despite making a blockbuster £77.6 million move to Manchester City from RB Leipzig in 2023, Gvardiol is a self-proclaimed Liverpool fan.
The 23-year-old has become a regular starter under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad, competing with his boyhood club in the Premier League.
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However, Gvardiol has revealed his true feelings on van Dijk as a player as he prepares for another potential title race against the Dutchman.
Josko Gvardiol applauds during Manchester City's draw with AS Monaco in the Champions League
Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images
Josko Gvardiol admitted Virgil van Dijk is one of his favourite defenders
In an interview with ESPN, Gvardiol was asked to name his favourite defenders to watch growing up in Croatia, and he named van Dijk.
“Definitely Ramos. Sergio Ramos. Uh, Virgil van Dijk as well.”
Van Dijk has cut a frustrated figure at Anfield this season as the Reds prepare to face Manchester United on Sunday after three consecutive losses heading into the international break.
The 34-year-old will, of course, be disappointed with his side’s form this season. Liverpool have conceded nine goals in their opening seven league matches – they had only conceded twice at this stage last year.
Nevertheless, van Dijk appeared rejuvenated with the Netherlands on international duty, and the two-week hiatus from club football came at the perfect time for the Reds.
Arne Slot is in the most challenging period of his Anfield tenure, and Liverpool’s defensive woes have been apparent throughout the opening course of the campaign and have become the boss’ main cause for concern.
With Ibrahima Konate in poor form and summer signings Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong failing to impress, it will indeed be up to van Dijk to ensure the Reds get back on track starting on Sunday.
How does Josko Gvardiol compare to Virgil van Dijk?
Indeed, Gvardiol was once on Liverpool’s radar prior to his move to the Etihad and he could have forged a formidable partnership with van Dijk.
It is scary that Gvardiol is still only 23 and yet to reach the prime years of his career – he is already performing like an elite-level centre-back.
Last season, the Croatian performed remarkably similarly to van Dijk despite Man City suffering a dramatic decline under Guardiola.
Player (2024/25 Premier League) Appearances Pass accuracy Long ball accuracy Duels won Tackles Interceptions Recoveries
Virgil van Dijk 37 91.7% 55.8% 68.7% 38 56 115
Josko Gvardiol 37 91.4% 53.5% 61% 58 44 137
Statistics provided by Fotmob.
While the chances of Gvardiol arriving at Anfield in the future are slim at best, it is a shame that Liverpool did not rival City for his signature in 2023, especially considering Slot’s current woes at centre-back.