Joško Gvardiol: RB Leipzig’s sensational Croatian centre-back – scout report

The role of a centre-back has gradually evolved over recent years. From only being the rock at the heart of the defence who would put out fires and deal with any threats, a centre-back is now fundamental to his teams general build-up play and sustaining of attacks. Joško Gvardiol, RB Leipzigs 20-year-old left-footed Croatian centre-half, has burst onto the scene during his first season in the Bundesliga. He has quickly become renowned for his outstanding quality on the ball.

While at Dinamo Zagreb during the 2020/21 season, it was announced that Gvardiol, 18 at the time, had signed for RB Leipzig for €16 million but would continue the season on loan in Zagreb. The fee was the highest ever for a Croatian teenager the third-highest ever paid for a Croatian defender, only behind Dejan Lovren and Duje Ćaleta-Car.

In his 2021/22 debut Bundesliga season, the youngster seamlessly adapted to life at the highest level and secured his spot on the left of a back three in Leipzigs 3-5-2 formation. He made 29 league appearances and helped the team win the DFB-Pokal and reach the Europa League semi-finals, accomplishing both feats for the first time in the history of the club. Head coach Domenico Tedesco hailed the centre-back’s “mental strength” as among his chief attributes:

As a young player, it was important to come to a club that can help me take the next step in my career. That is exactly what RB Leipzig is all about. The club has shown several times how players can develop and improve here Gvardiol declared.

Gvardiols quality and potential are attracting attention from top clubs, especially in the Premier League. The 20-year-old has been subject to some transfer speculation across the 2022 summer window. A swap deal with Timo Werner that would see him go to Chelsea has been discussed, but nothing seems imminent at the moment.

This tactical analysis and scout report highlight Gvardiols key attributes and why he has become pivotal to Leipzigs tactics and style of play in only one season at the club. The analysis also looks at what the Croatians future holds and whether its the right time to seek pastures new.

Style of Play

At only 20 years of age and after one season on the grandest stage, Gvardiol has cemented himself as one of the best young centre-backs in the world. His ball progression, passing range, dribbling skills, 1v1 defending and no-nonsense nature are some of his main features.

At Leipzig, he operates on the left of a back three and is encouraged to take up high and wide positions when his team are in possession, highlighted in the below heat map from the 2021/22 season.

He appeared in 46 out of a possible 52 matches, showcasing his key starter status. Gvardiol played 38 times as a centre-back and 8 times as a left-back in 2021/22, on the rare occasions where the team switched to a back four. He was also deployed as a centre-back in a back four three times with mixed results during November.

Gvardiol has 10 caps for the Croatian national team, with his four starts all coming from left-back. His impressive performances at Dinamo Zagreb earned him a call-up to the Euro 2020 squad last summer.