Josko Gvardiol still ranks as the second most expensive defender of all time Josko Gvardiol appears to be returning towards his best by helping Manchester City to an impressive start to the new campaign after his previous season was disrupted by a serious injury.
Following a 3-0 Community Shield defeat by Arsenal in August, City have recovered to win six straight games in all competitions and the Croatian has been part of a defence that has conceded just twice in their opening four Premier League games.
With new captain Ruben Dias and England international Marc Guehi beginning to form a solid partnership in central defence, Gvardiol has been deployed at left-back and making the position his own.
Enzo Maresca's side host Sunderland on Sunday (14:00 BST) in a game the manager has described as being their "toughest" so far this season "because of how good they are".
Victory against the Black Cats will maintain City's winning streak and send Gvardiol off on international duty with Croatia - who face England and Spain in the Uefa Nations League - in high spirits following World Cup disappointment in the summer as his country went out at the last-32 stage.
'Just the beginning' - Samba, 17, steals Man City show With numerous quality options available in central defence, Maresca needed to find a place in the starting line-up for Gvardiol.