The Croatian international made the move to City in the summer, joining us from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig and has made a fine start to his Etihad career.
Despite only still being 21, Gvardiol has quickly got up to speed with the demands of the Premier League as well as thriving in Europe, impressing with his superb technique, physical prowess and tactical awareness alongside his positional flexibility.
And addressing the media at Monday’s pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday’s latest Champions League group game at home to Young Boys of Switzerland, Guardiola made plain his admiration for the way Gvardiol has begun his City career.
“He has settled perfectly,” Guardiola declared.
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“We knew he was an incredible person. That is what I look for first. He can play centre back, We decided to play him in a back four and play at full-back offensively and defensively..
“He has experience already. He has played in the World Cup, the European Cup…
“Leipzig play to win and he won two Pokals (German Cups) there. He is a regular for Croatia.
“He has a lot of experience for a 21-year-old.
“He is incredibly open minded to see what we want to do. At every training session he is an incredible professional.
“(We are) Really pleased.”
Tuesday’s clash sees City lock horns once again with the Swiss side just a fortnight on from an impressive 3-1 win away in Bern.
The Swiss champions put up stiff resistance before two late second half goals sealed the deal for the reigning European champions.
And though City have the incentive of knowing we will seal qualification for the knockout stages with victory, Guardiola is expecting another tough test.
“I have a lot of respect (for Young Boys),” the City boss declared.
“I’m pretty sure my colleague has seen the game. They will adjust something like we have to adjust.
“I have a good impression when I play there that’s why I was really pleased with the team.
“I have to adjust something and hopefully we can have the right energy.
“Normally in the Champions League at home we behave well. When you have the chance to qualify you have to take it.”
City v Young Boys app coverage
Our official app allows you to follow all of the action from the Etihad in one place.
Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, whilst our Matchday Live show will begin at 18:45 (UK).
We will have special guests Paul Dickov, Steve Howey and Esme Morgan who will join host Cel Spellman in the studio, offering their expert insight at half-time and in greater detail after the final whistle.
They will also answer viewer questions throughout the broadcast, with audience participation actively encouraged on Matchday Live.
To get in touch, send a WhatsApp to: +447537186538.
During the game you can listen to live audio commentary from Alistair Mann and Andy Morrison while our text commentary continues.
Make sure to have push notifications turned on as well, so you can be alerted to key moments in the action, including goals, red cards and the team news.
Highlights from the match, as well as a full-match replay [available on CITY+] will also be available later in the evening.
