Manchester City and Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol has emerged as the top-scoring defender in the Premier League, surpassing his counterparts with an impressive goal tally.
Gvardiol’s recent strike in the 2-1 victory against Wolves has cemented his position at the top of the list.
Josko Gvardiol’s Goal-Scoring Prowess
The Croatian defender netted his first goal of the 2024/25 season with an expertly taken finish in the 1-1 draw against Newcastle United.
The 22-year-old center-back has netted six goals in all competitions, outperforming his expected goal rate.
Notably, five of his goals have come from his supposedly weaker right foot, showcasing his versatility. Gvardiol’s efficiency in front of goal is remarkable, with his shots generating only 3.5xG.
Gvardiol’s goal-scoring ability has been a significant factor in Manchester City’s success, with nine goal contributions in just 51 appearances.
Meanwhile, the Croatian defensive skills and leadership ability are equally impressive demonstrated with his goal scoring prowess.
That sets him apart from every other defender in the division, with the next most prolific being Newcastle’s Fabian Schar and Arsenal’s Gabriel, with five goals each.
Newcastle United veteran defender Fabian Schar
Newcastle United’s Fabian Schar trails Gvardiol with five goals. The 32-year-old Swedish international is renowned for his powerful free kicks, long shots, and long passes. Schar’s impressive career goal tally exceeds 50, solidifying his position as one of the top-scoring defenders.
Gabriel Magalhaes: Arsenal’s Defensive Asset
Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes has also scored five goals, demonstrating his value to the team. The Brazilian center-back’s contributions have been crucial in Arsenal’s campaign.
Pedro Porro and Rayan Ait-Nouri
Tottenham Hotspur’s Pedro Porro and Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri have both scored four goals, showcasing their potential as top-scoring defenders. Their performances have been impressive, and they will look to continue their goal-scoring form.
Top Five Top-Scoring Defenders
Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City) – 6 goals
Fabian Schar (Newcastle United) – 5 goals
Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal) – 5 goals
Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur) – 4 goals
Rayan Ait-Nouri (Wolves) – 4 goals
Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol’s Illustrious Career Milestones
Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol has accumulated an impressive array of trophies and individual accolades throughout his remarkable career.
Gvardiol’s club trophy haul includes two Prva HNL titles (2019-20, 2020-21), the Croatian Cup (2020-21), and the Croatian Super Cup (2019) with Dinamo Zagreb
The 22-year-old won two DFB-Pokal titles (2021-22, 2022-23) with RB Leipzig
He won the Premier League (2023-24), FA Community Shield (2024), UEFA Super Cup (2023), and FIFA Club World Cup (2023) with Manchester City
On the international stage, Gvardiol helped Croatia secure third place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Individually, Gvardiol has been recognized with the Best Prva HNL U-21 player and Team of the Year awards from Trophy Footballer in 2021
His accomplishments extend beyond club football, having played in the FA Cup final and the semi-finals of the World Cup.
Despite his remarkable success, Gvardiol’s journey began with humble aspirations.
What’s next for Gvardiol and Manchester City?
Manchester City are currently trailing behind Liverpool with one point difference. The 2023/24 Premier League Champions will next be seen in action in the Champions League against Sparta Prague on Wednesday, October 23.
