Jurgen Klinsmann names Josko Gvardiol as 2022 World Cup breakout star in Qatar – ‘One of the big winners’

Jurgen Klinsmann named Josko Gvardiol as one of the breakout stars of the tournament after Croatia secured third place on Saturday at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Gvardiol made a rare lapse of judgement in the midweek semi-final against Argentina when Lionel Messi was able to bamboozle him before teeing up Julian Alvarez.

However the belief was that any player can come off second best when up against perhaps the greatest player of all time, and ultimately the young Croatian had enhanced his reputation while on international duty.

Before the tournament, he had been linked with a summer move from RB Leipzig to Premier League side Chelsea, but ultimately he remained in the Bundesliga. Rumours linking him to Stamford Bridge, however, have refused to go away, and while he may complete the season with his current side, few will be surprised if he moves to one of Europe’s biggest teams in the next summer transfer window.

Speaking to BBC One after the match, former Manchester CIty and Aston Villa defender Micah Richards said that Gvardiol should not focus on his semi-final error as “Messi can do that to anyone”.

Klinsmann then praised Croatia for their efforts, saying, “I think with Luka Modric winning the Ballon d’Or and then fighting for third place, they fully deserved it.”

The former United States and Germany manager thought that Croatia had many strengths.

“It’s unbelievable, the quality of players they develop, the resilience they have. For them, they are for sure representing everything and that’s why they succeeded. Their hunger is endless.

“Croatia managed it so well, it seems they have a magical chemistry. Gvardiol is one of the big winners of this World Cup.”

He also suggested Gvardiol should move on from Messi, saying: “Take that lesson and move on.”

Former England international Alex Scott praised Croatia for punching above their weight.

“When you talk about the size of their country and the players they have to call on,” she said. ”Modric is pure class, knowing he had to be in certain positions to pull the strings. They showed their experience in tournaments and that got them across the line today,”

Of Gvardiol, she added: “Their 20-year-old centre-back, again, his potential is limitless, we’re seeing every aspect of his game. We talk about experience and needing youngsters to come through – you always need that balance to blend it out.”