Gary Neville thinks Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Josko Gvardiol was treated like a ‘rag doll’ by Lionel Messi as Argentina knocked Croatia out of the World Cup on Tuesday.
The former Manchester United defender was shocked at how the 14 stone and 6 foot 3 centre-back was bullied off the ball by the 5 foot 7 forward.
Gvardiol is only 20, still in the very early years of his career, but he’s probably already played against the greatest player he will ever face.
With a place in the World Cup final up for stake, Messi produced another masterclass, including a stunning assist as he danced his way into the box from the right channel, with Croatian players twisting and turning around him, before he cushioned the ball into Julian Alvarez’s feet to kill off the game at 3-0.
It was a moment of pure genius from the PSG forward and Neville reacted to how Gvardiol was treated, as he told ITV Sport.
“I watched him 12 years ago destroy Manchester United in two Champions League finals,” said Neville. “Absolutely incredible. Completely different player than he is now.
“What mesmerises me about him is the skill we have seen for many, many years. But Gvardiol must be 13 or 14 stone. Six foot 3 and he’s literally rag-dolling him and pushing him away.
“No sense of how you do that. With the ball at your feet and running at full speed, whilst twisting and turning. It’s unbelievable. It’s mesmerising to watch.
“It’s the arm that he puts there, which keeps a guy that’s probably two or three stones heavier than him, away from him. You can’t.”
GVARDIOL PREMIER LEAGUE BOUND?
Whilst Messi well and truly dealt with the RB Leipzig defender, he has actually been one of his side’s best players at the World Cup.
Yes, that semi-final defeat would have been a lesson of all lessons, but it was against Messi and he is only 20.
Gvardiol has been outstanding on the domestic scene this season, including in the Champions League, which has resulted in the likes of Tottenham and Manchester City showcasing interest in the player.
Yesterday’s performance won’t be off-putting because there is a serious talent in there.
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