Sport
The Lovren and Gvardiol partnership
When Dejan Lovren made his Croatia debut in 2009, Josko Gvardiol was seven years old. Now the two players are starring at centre-back together as the Vatreni seek to reach a second World Cup final in as many tournaments.
Gvardiol has been the standout defender in Qatar. He has played every minute of every game so far, helping Croatia finish as Group F runners-up before they eliminated both Japan and Brazil on penalties in the knockout phase. Next up are Argentina on Tuesday.
Gvardiol only made his Croatia debut last year but he is now one of the first names on Zlatko Dalic’s team sheet. He has made eight interceptions at this World Cup, more than any other centre-back except the Netherlands’ Jurrien Timber. A fine reader of the game, he is comfortable defending in a high line or in his own penalty area.
Gvardiol’s ability in possession also stands out. The left-footer helps Croatia build from the back, while he is comfortable carrying the ball into midfield and resisting the press.
A pass completion rate of 89 percent demonstrates his skill at retaining the ball, but Gvardiol also attempts – and often successfully executes – riskier, penetrative passes that break the lines of the opposition’s defensive structure. Along with the midfield trio of Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic, Gvardiol helps Croatia to have long spells of possession.
“He’s been solid. He’s got it all,” the BBC co-commentator and pundit Jermaine Jenas said earlier in the tournament. “When he comes out with the ball, he has the ability to go past people, to drive into midfield. He hits good passes, defends properly. He’s been brilliant. 20 years old: different class.”
Lovren is not quite as adept in possession as his partner, but the 33-year-old has delivered a firm response to those that questioned whether he was still capable of performing at this level. The Zenit Saint Petersburg defender has always had a mistake in him, but he has been reliable throughout this tournament.
Of the central defenders in Qatar, only Australia’s Kye Rowes and the Netherlands’ Virgin van Dijk have made more blocks than Lovren, who ranks joint-seventh in his position for interceptions. The veteran is not as mobile as he was earlier in his career, which is why it is vital that he plays alongside a younger, quicker centre-back who can cover in behind the former Liverpool stopper.
Unsurprisingly, Gvardiol has been linked with a host of European clubs over the last few weeks, with Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City all thought to be interested. For now, though, he and Lovren will be fully focused on Argentina as Croatia look to upset the odds once again.
The Vatreni should not be written off. This is a team that never knows when it is beaten. Croatia have a knack for staying in the game and they never panic even when they fall behind. Those qualities could come in handy at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Tuesday, when they will do battle with Lionel Messi and co. for a place in the World Cup final.
