Josko Gvardiol is showing signs of returning to his best form as he helps Manchester City begin the new season strongly. The Croatian defender had a difficult previous campaign due to a serious injury, but he has now played a key role in City's impressive start, which includes six consecutive wins across all competitions. Despite a 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield in August, City's defense has been formidable, conceding only twice in their first four Premier League games. Gvardiol has been playing at left-back, forming a solid defensive line with new captain Ruben Dias and England international Marc Guehi in central defense. City’s manager, Enzo Maresca, has described their upcoming match against Sunderland as the “toughest” so far this season, acknowledging the quality of their opponents. A win would keep City’s winning streak intact and allow Gvardiol to head into international duty with Croatia in high spirits. Croatia faces England and Spain in the UEFA Nations League after a disappointing World Cup exit in the last-32 stage. Gvardiol returned from a five-month absence last season after suffering a broken leg, allowing young defender Nico O'Reilly to play in an unfamiliar left-back role. O'Reilly, 21, has been content on the bench but has been told by Maresca he will get more chances in his preferred midfield position. Gvardiol, meanwhile, is described as a “soldier” by those close to him—accepting any role and performing for the team’s benefit. He is now pain-free and at full fitness, having returned to 100% match fitness after initially saying it would take at least a year for his body to recover. Gvardiol has played both centre-back and left-back since joining City in 2023 for a £77m transfer from Leipzig, making him the second most expensive defender of all time. He has thrived in his attacking role at left-back, scoring an injury-time winner against Bournemouth and providing two assists, including one for Erling Haaland’s controversial goal against Manchester United. His defensive skills are also strong, as seen in City’s 10-man win at Old Trafford, where he won nine of his 11 duels and made four tackles. Gvardiol has been among the top performers in the Premier League this season in terms of duels and tackles, contributing significantly to City’s success.