From Dinamo Zagreb to Premier League stardom, Joško Gvardiol has lived football at full speed – and at just 23, he’s still accelerating. In this exclusive episode of Sofascore’s YouTube series A Guest and a Half, filmed on Croatia’s stunning coastline, Gvardiol opens up about life under Pep Guardiola, his World Cup bronze with Croatia, and what it really means to be named the Premier League’s top-rated defender. Here’s the full interview – 45 minutes of small talk, big names, and stoppage time.
You can watch the full interview on Sofascore’s YouTube channel:
Sofascore: Hello from the beautiful Croatian coastline! We’re in the town called Rijeka with a 23-year-old who’s already made football history. From Dinamo Zagreb to RB Leipzig and then to Manchester City, his transfer became the highest ever for a defender. And with Pep Guardiola’s side, he’s proven more than worthy. Our guest today is Joško Gvardiol. Let’s get to know him!
Sofascore: Joško, with great pleasure, welcome to a news episode of A Guest and a Half – 45 minutes of small talk, big names, and stoppage time.
Gvardiol: Thank you for having me. I’m really looking forward to this.
Premier League Praise and Personal Progress
Sofascore: Let’s start simple. How are you doing, and how exhausting was this season?
Gvardiol: Yeah, I’ve played a lot, I think it was 53 games. I try not to think too much about it. What matters is getting ready for the next one. We’re close to the end of the season, but there’s still more to go, including the Club World Cup in the US. It’s going to be tough mentally, but I’m ready.
Sofascore: Well, let me show you something satisfying – the Sofascore Premier League Team of the Season. You’re not only in it with a rating of 7.37 – you’re the top-rated Premier League defender.
Gvardiol: Yeah, I heard about it. Honestly, I didn’t care much at first, but now seeing it… it feels big. It’s only my second season, and it means a lot. Of course, the season didn’t go how we wanted, but this is something I can be proud of.
Sofascore: You’re ranked above names like Van Dijk, Tarkowski, Saliba… that must feel good.
Gvardiol: Exactly. I’ve faced most of them. I remember watching Van Dijk from the bench at Anfield – studying him. Being up there now with him is incredible, especially at my age.
Sofascore: There are also just two defenders from the top five leagues – alongside Hakimi from PSG and Mittelstädt from Stuttgart.
Gvardiol: It’s a big result. We’ve had a tough season. So many injuries, so many ups and downs. Sometimes I didn’t even know where I’d find the energy. But we pushed through. Hopefully next season will be better, starting from the Club World Cup.
Sofascore: So, if you had to choose – better personal stats or better team results?
Gvardiol: Both! I’d love to keep my rating and help the team succeed. That’s the goal. I wouldn’t want to sacrifice one for the other.
Facing the Best – and Learning from Them
Sofascore: Let’s switch gears. You’ve played against a lot of top attackers. Let’s talk about them. Starting with Sofascore’s Premier League Player of the Season – Mo Salah?
Gvardiol: I only played one match against him, but it meant a lot. So facing him – and now that he’s extended his contract – I hope we meet again next season.
Sofascore: And what about others? Isak, Mbeumo, Cunha, Palmer, Tielemans?
Gvardiol: Big names. Huge qualities. I could name them all. There’s a reason they are where they are.
Rate Yourself – The Gvardiol Self-Assessment
Sofascore: Let’s jump into our official section: “Rate Yourself.” You’ll get 12 categories and a scale from 3 to 10. Let’s start with Speed.
Gvardiol: I’m not slow, but I’ve seen faster players. Maybe… 7.8. It depends on how I wake up!
Sofascore: Fastest teammate?
Gvardiol: Erling Haaland. Manuel Akanji. Matheus Nunes is surprisingly quick too. And Doku – incredible acceleration in his first steps.
Sofascore: Next category is dribbling?
Gvardiol: I like to keep it simple, but I’m not bad. Let’s say 7.9. That Newcastle goal – that was a good one.
Sofascore: Technique?
Gvardiol: Hard to rate, but maybe 8.2. As a central defender, I show more on the ball. As a fullback, it’s quicker decision-making.
Sofascore: Best at City?
Gvardiol: Kevin, of course. And Kovacic too – amazing on the ball.
Sofascore: Vision?
Gvardiol: 8.5. It’s hard with the way teams play against us, sitting deep. But I see the spaces.
Sofascore: Best at City?
Gvardiol: Kevin. Even Ederson!
Sofascore: Long passing?
Gvardiol: Used to be better in Leipzig. With Pep, we don’t use it as much. I’ll say 7.8.
Sofascore: Best at City?
Gvardiol: Ederson. Rodri. Ruben Dias too.
Sofascore: Tackling?
Gvardiol: Left foot especially – I’d say 8.4. I try not to slide too much though, it means you’re already late!
Sofascore: Best at City?
Gvardiol: Akanji and Dias. Both very strong.
Sofascore: Let me ask you now – because in the last part of the season, you moved back to the central position and played alongside Rúben Dias, who’s also a world-class defender. It looked like you two had great chemistry on the pitch.
Gvardiol: Yeah, to be honest, I think we did a good job for those seven games or so. I was kind of forced to play there because we had so many injured players, especially in defence. But you know me, wherever I need to play, I’m ready to give my best, my 100%. I think we handled it well. Then, when Manu came back, I moved back to my usual position from the first season. But yeah, it was a good time playing with Rúben.
Sofascore: Guardiola even mentioned it could be a future option. But you’ll talk about it with him when the time comes.
Gvardiol: Exactly.
Sofascore: OK, next category is positioning?
Gvardiol: As a fullback? Not great. But as a central defender? Much better. Let’s say 8.2.
Sofascore: Still room to improve?
Gvardiol: Yes. I’m learning. It’ll come.
Sofascore: Aerial challenges?
Gvardiol: Again, it depends on the position. But I’ll say 8.
Sofascore: Best at City?
Gvardiol: John Stones. Great timing. We all look up to him.
Sofascore: Crossing?
Gvardiol: We don’t do much of it at City. I can cross, but 7.5 sounds fair.
Sofascore: Best at City?
Gvardiol: Jack Grealish. Left foot, right foot – very technical.
Sofascore: Finishing?
Gvardiol: Only screamers! I’ll give myself 8.8 – just because I’m a defender. Real Madrid, Newcastle, Wolves… some nice ones.
Sofascore: Best at City?
Gvardiol: Erling, of course. Foden too, especially in the first season, he was our key player.
Sofascore: Shot power?
Gvardiol: Left foot is stronger, but I like to shoot with the right. 8.2.
Sofascore: Strongest shot at City?
Gvardiol: You’ll be shocked – it’s Ederson. If he hits you in the head, you’re out cold, you are going to hospital.
Sofascore: Shot precision?
Gvardiol: 7.5. I shoot more on instinct, others know exactly where it’s going.
Sofascore: Overall, how do you feel about your final average?
Gvardiol: Happy. It’s good to be on this list with these players. There will be more names in the future so it will be nice to see my rating there.
Football’s Finest – The Synonym Game
Sofascore: Let’s go through all the categories again. You name the best player in football history for each.
Sofascore: Speed?
Gvardiol: Kyle Walker. In his prime, he was one of the fastest I’ve ever seen. Even now, he’s quick.
Sofascore: Dribbling?
Gvardiol: Lionel Messi. I faced him at the World Cup in 2022. His control is unreal. You can’t take the ball from him.
Sofascore: That clip of him dribbling past you went viral. How did you stay mentally focused after that?
Gvardiol: It wasn’t easy. I used to control my own Instagram back then, and that video was everywhere. Luckily, my friend Marko Mamić, who is a handball player, sent me a message reminding me to focus on the next game – the third-place match. That helped a lot. And in the end, we won bronze. It became the happiest day of my life. And after we came back to Zagreb, seeing all those people who supported us, that medal was for them.
Sofascore: Technique?
Gvardiol: Luka Modrić. I could name a lot, but I’ll go with Luka.
Sofascore: Vision?
Gvardiol: Kevin De Bruyne. Without question.
Sofascore: Long passing?
Gvardiol: Toni Kroos. Unbelievable precision.
Sofascore: Tackling?
Gvardiol: Sergio Ramos. No doubt.
Sofascore: Positioning?
Gvardiol: Rodri. Still young, but already a Ballon d’Or-level player.
Sofascore: Aerial challenges?
Gvardiol:
Virgil van Dijk. He’s huge, you rarely see him lose a duel in the air.
Sofascore: Crossing?
Gvardiol: David Beckham. Iconic.
Sofascore: Finishing?
Gvardiol: Erling Haaland. But I also grew up loving Luis Suárez, Zlatan, and Giroud. Let’s say Zlatan or Haaland for this one.
Sofascore: Shot power?
Gvardiol: Roberto Carlos. I used to watch his free kicks on YouTube nonstop.
Sofascore: Shot precision?
Gvardiol: Messi again. He’s just too consistent.
On Pep Guardiola, Modrić, and Mentorship
Sofascore: Let’s play a game. We’ll give you three clues to guess a football legend.
Clue 1: 16 major trophies. Champions League winner. Won Olympic gold. Wore number 10.
Clue 2: Played with Ronaldo, Totti, Xavi, Casillas.
Gvardiol: The Olympic gold medal confuses me.
Sofascore: You will guess it from the next one.
Clue 3: This is his quote: “Joško has been the most important player for us this season. Without Joško it would be impossible to sustain it.”
Gvardiol: (Laughs) Okay, I get it now. I wasn’t thinking about managers. It’s Pep!
Sofascore: How did it feel hearing those words from him?
Gvardiol: It means a lot. He knows I give everything. To hear that from the best manager in history – it’s incredible.
Sofascore: Can you explain your relationship with Pep Guardiola? And if you had to describe him in three words?
Gvardiol: It’s really good. He’s someone who lives for this sport, he lives for football. I’m happy I have the opportunity to work with him, especially when I found out he was extending his contract. I was even happier. I learn something from him every day. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll become a manager too. Maybe I’ll need a bit of help from him. But I’m still young.
Sofascore: But can you see that future coming?
Gvardiol: It’s still too early.
Sofascore: Next clue. You’ve played 41 games with this player. And your Sofascore rating is slightly lower when he’s on the pitch with you.
Gvardiol: Luka Modrić?
Sofascore: Correct. Surprised?
Gvardiol: Yeah, I thought playing with him would boost my stats. But maybe it’s just that when Luka has the ball, you just let him do everything!
Sofascore: But tell me, when it comes to Luka Modrić, it’s not just about being captain. What’s he like?
Gvardiol: He’s a real leader, both on and off the pitch. I remember my first days with the national team, and he was there for me right away. So were Kovačić, Vida… a lot of guys. They helped me a lot in the beginning, and I’m really grateful I was part of that group at that time.
Sofascore: Did Luka ever give you a piece of advice that stuck?
Gvardiol: For sure, yes. He’s the kind of person who always wants the best for everyone in the national team. I can’t point to one specific moment right now, but it’s more about his general attitude. He’s always there for you.
Sofascore: Did you watch his farewell from Real Madrid?
Gvardiol: I couldn’t, we had a game against Fulham. But I saw it afterwards, and I spoke to Mateo who was there. Luka deserved that farewell, 100%. I’m really happy for him.
Sofascore: And what about his national team future – one last ride at the World Cup?
Gvardiol: It would be amazing. But first, we need to qualify. It’s a long road and it’s going to be tough, but I think we have the quality. Hopefully we can do it together.
The Teammates Board – Traits, Stories, and Laughs
Sofascore: So Joško, here we are in front of ours, famous already, board. We have a board of personality traits. Let’s match them with your teammates. First player is Kevin De Bruyne!
Gvardiol: Kevin! What a guy. He’s really… I don’t even know how to describe him. I’m just sad I couldn’t work with him more than just two years, to be part of his career. He was such a big part of Manchester City. I’m sad he’s leaving, but that’s how things work out. We’re all going to miss him. He was one of the most important players in our team. Of course, I wish him all the best, and I believe we’ll see each other again.
Sofascore: So what would you connect with Kevin?
Gvardiol: Let’s go with this one – The leader as well. Because in my first year, he wasn’t the captain, but he was still a leader. Even without the armband, he was always there, supporting us. That’s the one he needs.
Sofascore: He seems quiet from the outside.
Gvardiol: He’s a bit… I wouldn’t say shy, but in his own world. But when it’s game time, in the dressing room, he’s the real one – always pushing us, giving advice. So yeah, “leader” is perfect for him.
Sofascore: And the whole team listens to him?
Gvardiol: Of course. If I only pick one word, that’s still a great one.
Sofascore: Okay. You talked about him enough – we can move on. We prepared one last former teammate from the Croatian national team: Marcelo Brozović.
Gvardiol: Marcelo! I miss him. I really do. But I think he’s enjoying it there in Saudi. I’m always happy when he comes back to Croatia to watch our national team games. We’re still in a bit of contact, I text him sometimes.
Sofascore: Okay. Let’s start.
Gvardiol: Okay – Worst dressed! Sorry Broz, but I need to be honest. Doesn’t matter – I still love you, and I think you’ll forgive me! Definitely this one – “Do not disturb before the match.” He’s professional. When it’s game time, he prepares properly. And also… Always angry.
Sofascore: He seemed like this on the pitch. With the referees?
Gvardiol: Exactly. I remember, when I miss the pass, he’d always react like “Ah, it’s always this!” And then I like to watch the highlights after the game – it’s funny to see. Oh, maybe this one too – “Never satisfied.” That’s actually a good thing. He always wanted more from us. Even with everything he did in his career, he could’ve taken it easy – but no, he always wanted more.
Sofascore: Is that something you need to succeed in life, and football?
Gvardiol: Definitely. I can speak for myself – I have that in me too. I always want to push, every game, more and more.
Sofascore: Okay, is that it?
Gvardiol: That’s it.
Sofascore: Can we go through a couple more and name players not already mentioned?
Gvardiol: Sure. This one – ‘’Always sleepy’’. That’s Kovačić. We sit next to each other on the coach, on the plane – he sleeps all the time. I said to him, “All I need is just to sleep like you!” But yeah – Kova is a father. I’ll get there!
Sofascore: Best dressed?
Gvardiol: Kova as well. Kova is up there. Everyone likes his style.
Sofascore: 100% professional?
Gvardiol: Manchester City: Rúben Dias. National team: Lovro Majer. The ones who really work on their bodies – both of them.
Sofascore: This one’s funny – “Loves free kicks, but…”. Alessandro Costacurta said Clarence Seedorf. Maybe you have someone?
Gvardiol: I can name myself! I think I can shoot free kicks, but if I actually took them – disaster. So better stay away from the spot!
Sofascore: That was perfect. Just a couple more sections and we’re done. Did you enjoy it?
Gvardiol: Really good. I didn’t expect that! Maybe one day you’ll call me again, and I’ll think about this board more. Just bring the board – that’s all we need.
Looking Ahead – Club World Cup and Future Plans
Sofascore: Okay, Joško, this is the last part. We call it “Who’s next?” It’s up to you to nominate someone – a teammate or opponent – who should do this next.
Gvardiol: I don’t know. I could name so many players. But you know Dani Olmo, we played together in Dinamo Zagreb and Leipzig. We still have a good relationship. He’s over in beautiful Barcelona, and I’m here in Croatia. I think Dani would be the best choice.
Sofascore: He would have as much fun as you did?
Gvardiol: Definitely! He can maybe talk about some good stories with me, I’m sure.
Sofascore: Thank you – did you have a good time with us?
Gvardiol: Of course.
Sofascore: One last thing – I’d get in trouble with Manchester City fans if I didn’t ask: what are your plans? Will you stay at the club? Do you think about it?
Gvardiol: To be honest, I don’t. I’m not going to think about it. The Club World Cup is coming, so we need to give our best in that tournament. Then, hopefully, we get some days off before the next season. And after that, we’ll see what the options are. I’m happy, I have everything I need. Hopefully, next season will be a bit different than the last, and we’ll push from the very beginning.
Sofascore: Joško, we wish you all the best – lots of health, success, and thank you again for joining us.
Gvardiol: Thank you.