Josko Gvardiol names the two Man City players who have surprised him most since joining the club

Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol has named the two players who have surprised him the most since joining the club.

The Croatian international followed compatriot Mateo Kovacic in joining the Premier League and European champions in the summer.

City paid RB Leipzig £77.6 million, a fee which made him the second-most expensive defender in history.

But he has made a seamless transition into Pep Guardiola's side and predominantly excelled at left-back.

Gvardiol had come up against City in last season's Champions League, scoring an equaliser against them in the round of 16 first leg before an Erling Haaland-inspired 7-0 hammering took place in the second meeting at the Etihad Stadium.

In a recent video for City's YouTube channel, the 21-year-old was asked which new teammates had surprised him with their qualities.

Image: Getty

And he picked out goalkeeper Ederson and midfield metronome Rodri, describing both as "incredible" for what they are able to do when in possession of the ball.

"Eddie and Rodri," he said.

"If you talk about Eddie, because he is a goalkeeper and he's incredible with the ball.

"And with Rodri, because he is always in the moment, always with the ball and just the way he controls the ball it's incredible."

Kovacic agreed with his club and international colleague, stating that both are "top class".

Image: Getty

Gvardiol made his first start for City against Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup win over Sevilla on penalties.

He has nine appearances to his name so far and was compared to AC Milan and Italy legend Paolo Maldini by Gary Neville in Sunday's Manchester derby win against rivals United.

Commentating on Sky Sports, Neville said: “Gvardiol is having a field day out there. He’s turned into Maldini."

City are third in the Premier League after the 3-0 win, with Arsenal and Spurs ahead of them by two points.

They host Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Topics: Josko Gvardiol, Manchester City, Premier League, Rodri, Ederson

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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