A Manchester City defender surprisingly showed plenty in his return from injury

The Croatian international linked up Manchester City’s attacking play well and he was a threat to the packed Crystal Palace defence with his quality on the ball. His best moment came when Gvardiol played a beautiful chipped ball to Phil Foden to allowe the England international to set up Omar Marmoush to score Manchester City’s second goal of last night’s match. Gvardiol’s class was on full display in that moment. The Croatian defender is an excellent weapon for City in possession, and that did stand out last night. Gvardiol almost scored a header last night as well but Crystal Palace keeper Dean Henderson made a superb save to deny Gvardiol a special moment in the first half last night.

Defensively, Josko Gvardiol was more than sound, although he didn’t have a lot to do. When Gvardiol did have to defend, he saw the game well and made the necessary challenges with minimal fuss. All told, in the 58 minutes that Gvardiol was on the pitch, he reminded everyone of just how good a player he is. That wasn’t forgotten; however, the fact that Gvardiol showed no signs of rust after a lengthy injury layoff speaks volumes about his talent and character.

Josko Gvardiol was surprised and thrilled to return to the Manchester City lineup last night.

Speaking with mancity.com after his return to the Manchester City starting lineup, Josko Gvardiol admitted he was surprised to start City’s win over Crystal Palace. The technically gifted defender also shared how happy he was to finally return after a lengthy absence due to injury. He explained: “To be fair I was surprised as well! I didn’t expect my name in the starting XI,” began Gvardiol in an interview after the game. “I found out two or three hours before kick-off. You have to be ready.”

“I’m happy to be back and happy to be in the starting XI. We all know we have three games left. Happy to be back and get some minutes. I would say it’s normal. I’m getting older and more experienced than a couple of years ago. I took it as a man and tried to play as simple as I can.”

“It was close. It would be too unreal to score a goal in my first game back from injury. Maybe in the next one.”

“It hasn’t been easy. After I got injured I just accepted it as a new challenge. I’m just glad to be back. I’m feeling good actually. I wouldn’t say I’m at my 100%. It’s normal, I need minutes and games.”

Josko Gvardiol oozed class in his return from the serious injury he sustained in January. In the 58 minutes he was on the pitch, Gvardiol reminded everyone of his quality on both sides of the ball. Manchester City are a better team with Gvardiol in the lineup, and seeing him return and play well was fantastic as City convincingly beat Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium last night.