Leeds United almost signed 22-year-old who Pep Guardiola called ‘the best player on the planet’

However, it now appears that Leeds were right to scout the Croatia international, with Guardiola now finding a new level from him.

Not only has he proven himself to be a solid modern defender with the pace and power to keep up with Premier League attackers in transition, but he has become more than a decent asset in possession.

He went into the weekend with three goals and one assist since the start of April, but added to his tally further away at Fulham, scoring a stunning goal befitting a world-class full-back:

After the game, Guardiola had this to say about the 22-year-old defender’s brace at Craven Cottage (on talkSPORT):

“First goal… we signed the best player on the planet!

“After Wolves, three days off, he was the only one who went to the training center for recovery.

“We make an incredible signing for many, many years to come.”

Leeds must now wonder what would have become of Gvardiol if he had backed himself up as a teenager to move up to the Premier League.

Quiz: Did Patrick Bamford score more or fewer goals for Leeds United than these 15 former players?