Manchester City’s Croatian defender, Josko Gvardiol, has revealed that Ghanaian attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus is the toughest player he has faced in the English Premier League.
The two players, who both arrived in England after making waves at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, have had some intense battles on the pitch.
A Rising Star from Ghana
Gvardiol, who played a key role in Croatia’s third-place finish at the World Cup, had high praise for Kudus, who was Ghana’s standout player during the tournament.
With two goals and an assist in Qatar, Kudus quickly caught the attention of football fans around the world.
Since joining West Ham, Kudus has continued to impress in the Premier League, and his performances have clearly left a mark on Gvardiol.
“Mohammed Kudus from West Ham was my toughest opponent,” Gvardiol admitted during a recent podcast interview.
“In the first game, he was on the bench, and when he came on for the last twenty minutes, he was on my side. I realized that he was quite good. He looks sharp and was good on the ball.”
A Tough Challenge on the Pitch
Gvardiol’s struggles against Kudus didn’t end with their first encounter. The Croatian defender confessed that in their second meeting of the season, he found it even more challenging to keep the Ghanaian star in check.
“In the second game of the season, he even scored a bicycle kick. He was the one I struggled against,” Gvardiol said.
Despite Manchester City winning both games, it’s clear that Kudus has made a significant impression on one of the Premier League’s top defenders.
His ability to create chances and score goals has made him a key player for West Ham and a rising star in English football.
Man City defender Josko Gvardiol says 🇬🇭 Mohammed Kudus was his toughest opponent last season.
— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) September 4, 2024
He also added that Kudus will show a lot more of his quality this year. pic.twitter.com/Js3bFlZMKX
A Strong Performance Despite Defeat
Even in defeat, Kudus continues to shine. In a recent match against Manchester City, West Ham suffered a 3-1 loss at the London Olympic Stadium, but Kudus once again showed his quality on the ball.
His strong performance against the reigning champions only adds to his growing reputation as one of the most exciting talents in the Premier League.
As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see more of Kudus in action, especially in matchups against top defenders like Gvardiol. With his skill, sharpness, and determination, Mohammed Kudus is proving to be a player to watch in the Premier League.
