Josko Gvardiol has shone at the World Cup with some stunning performances for Croatia, although many have wondered why he is wearing a mask.
The 20-year-old has looked like Batman in Qatar so far as a result of his protective headwear, but why is the RB Leipzig No.32 wearing a mask? Let’s take a look…
Why is Josko Gvardiol wearing a mask?
Well, Gvardiol unfortunately broke his nose in a collision with RB Leipzig teammate Willi Orban on Thursday 10th November, just days before the start of the World Cup.
Discussions took place between RB Leipzig and Croatia’s respective medical teams, with both coming to the conclusion that the centre-back must wear a protective mask in order to play in Qatar.
Gvardiol has stuck to that advice, wearing the black mask in all five of his appearances at the World Cup so far, and it certainly hasn’t affected his performances – he has arguably been the best defender at the tournament.
Alan Shearer has already praised the Croatian wonderkid, saying that he would look good in a Newcastle shirt while covering Croatia’s Round of 16 win over Japan for BBC Sport.
Rio Ferdinand has also hailed the Zagreb-born colossus, with Jermaine Jenas showering him in praise as well.
Gvardiol has not been alone in wearing a mask at the World Cup.
Tottenham No.7 Heung-min Son was also left needing to wear the protective equipment, following a brutal challenge from Chancel Mbemba as Spurs recorded a 2-1 win over Marseille in the Champions League.
The South Korea international suffered multiple fractures around his left eye as a result of the collision.
Josko Gvardiol profile
First name: Josko
Last name: Gvardiol
Nationality: Croatia
Salary: £59,000-a-week
Date of birth: 23rd January 2002
Age: 20
Country of birth: Croatia, Zagreb
Josko Gvardiol transfer news
According to Corriere dello Sport in Italy, Tottenham are keen to bring Gvardiol to the Premier League.
Elsewhere, a story from Alfredo Pedulla claims that Real Madrid are willing to spend £78m to secure his signature.
Manchester United and Chelsea are also interested in signing Gvardiol – according to the Daily Mail.
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