Gvardiol: These young defenders make me feel old! | OneFootball

Josko Gvardiol says he is happy to help City’s young defenders settle into the team – even though it makes him feel old.

The Croatian defender only turned 23 in January and is one of a number of young defenders in Pep Guardiola’s squad at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Centre-backs Abdukodir Khusanov, 21, and 19-year-old Vitor Reis moved to City in the January transfer window.

With former Academy players Rico Lewis and Nico O’Reilly playing at full-back and summer signing Rayan Ait-Nouri turning 24 three weeks ago, City have youthful options at the back.

“I’m getting old!” Gvardiol said ahead of our FIFA Club World Cup last-16 clash with Al-Hilal on Tuesday at 02:00 (UK).

“I can’t believe I’m 23 but it’s nice to see these new guys, young guys in the team. When I look at them I feel much older.

“I’m available for them, to help them as the other ones helped me when I was younger. And I’m happy to have them in the team.

“They are doing good, obviously they're are all young but I think a big future is ahead for them.”

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Among the players that helped Gvardiol settle in at City was international team-mate Mateo Kovacic.

The midfielder was forced to missed the tournament after undergoing surgery on an Achilles injury but the defender says he is doing well.

“I called him a couple of days ago and I think he’s doing good,” Gvardiol said.

“He’s a bit sad because he could not be with us unfortunately, but I think this [surgery] was more important.”

The tournament now moves into the knockout stage and Gvardiol is expecting a tough clash against Al-Hilal and says we will be well prepared for the game.

“I’ve watched a bit of their games – they’re a good team with some really good players,” he added.

“It’s not going to be easy for sure, especially at this stage.

“We will do a couple of meetings to analyse everything but it’s going to be fun to play and for the fans to watch the game.”