Nedum Onuoha has shared how impressed he’s been with one particular Manchester City player this season.
Despite recently being knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, the Citizens could still end the season with another FA Cup and a fourth Premier League title in a row added to their cabinet.
Ahead of yesterday’s European clash, one pundit and former City player took the time to highlight and praise one figure in Pep Guardiola’s side who has played a key role in getting the Blues where they are at this stage of the season.
Onuoha says ‘confident’ Man City player has been very impressive this season
Speaking in a livestream on the club’s YouTube channel in the buildup to the recent 1-1 draw against Real, Onuoha had this to say about Josko Gvardiol and his performances this season.
He said: “I think he’s a really impressive player and I think it’s very easy to forget how young he is.
“I think for him to be coming to a new country, playing for a new team and for that team to be Manchester City with the players and the set-up that they have.
“I think there would be time to adjust but then also there’s a value in terms of being available and getting those games on the board.
“He’s clearly feeling himself, he feels confident, he knows that he is the first choice and this is a guy who has played in the Champions League before, played in World Cups and Euros so he’s not overawed by any occasion and he’s playing his best football at the best time.
“My opinion is that some people say he is a centre-back and what that is, is a passive-aggressive way of saying that he’s no good with his feet.
“That’s what people are kind of saying, but the fact is when he gets up in those high positions I think he’s always been comfortable, which is why I don’t believe he’s a fish out of water or anything like that.
“I think he’s very capable and tidy with the ball, makes some good runs in attack, can make good runs defending, can be good one-v-one as well. For me, he’s a great asset on that side.”
Josko Gvardiol has had a strong debut season at Man City
Back in the previous summer transfer window, City paid £77m to sign the defender from RB Leipzig, making him their most expensive signing of the window.
Since then, the Croatian has made 35 appearances for the Blues across all competitions, predominantly playing in the left-back position despite being a natural centre-back.
With 22 Premier League appearances now under his belt, the 22-year-old has shown how much of a capable player he is in terms of his defensive work and ability going forward.
For example, Gvardiol has a higher combined total of tackles and interceptions (63) than any other defender at the club, the second-highest in the entire squad.
In addition to that, Kyle Walker (644) is the only City defender to have more touches in the attacking third of the pitch than the summer recruit (484).
Taking all of that into account, it’s easy to see why Onuoha has been pleased with what he’s seen from the 22-year-old in his first season at the Etihad Stadium.
