'The tackle of the World Cup': Ferdinand praises Chelsea-linked Gvardiol for defending v Lukaku

“He’s my favourite defender to watch in the tournament so far,” Rio Ferdinand said on the BBC about Josko Gvardiol.

“He’s got great presence, happy for the battle, physical, and got a wand of a left foot. He’s got pace as well and I think all those attributes are what you need as a modern-day defender.

“Everything about him, for me, has been so positive. Defending the front post, we don’t see enough of that. Most defenders get that wrong, and that [tackle on Romelu Lukaku] was the tackle of the tournament.

“But also the aggressiveness, that nature again to come out, but not just finish it there. Burst out, look at the pace, willing to get forward. That youth, fearlessness, and quick enough feet for someone of his size.”

Here's Gvardiol's tackle on Lukaku:

Chelsea have been closely linked with a move for the Croatian international. The Leipzig centre-back even hinted at a potential move to Stamford Bridge. However, there are other clubs interested in him: namely, Man City, Real Madrid and Barcelona.