Transfer News:
Manchester City walked away with the Premier League title last season and are showing that they still have the hunger and intent to retain the trophy again. Their spending spree ensured that Pep Guardiola had a well-stocked unit last season around, hence, this they require only certain furnishes in the squad this summer. Hence, it appears that City are still looking to add midfield options in their lineup ahead of the season.
After missing out on Fred and Jorginho, City have reportedly turned their attention towards Mateo Kovacic. The Croatian midfielder had very limited playing time for Real Madrid last season, and will surely look for a team that can provide him with consistent minutes on the field. Due to the presence of the likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, he did not make it to the starting XI of the UCL Champions on a regular basis. However, that does not give a good indication of the talent that he possesses.
Mateo Kovacic: Player Profile
Kovacic is a deep-lying playmaker of sorts, someone who stations himself deeper down the field and relies on breaking attacks through some smart and astute off-the-ball positioning. His footwork is immaculate, and that enables him to break open into free spaces. Kovacic is brilliant with the possession of the ball, and it is understandable why there is unrest over his future with Real Madrid. He is technically sound and possesses the skills to regularly excel as a midfielder. Kovacic’s slow dribbling helps him get out of closed spaces, and then his vision enables him to distribute the ball accurately.
He can thread in through balls, or lump in the required long deliveries depending upon the situation of the game. The Croat is a quick thinker, and quite mature for his age. He is aware from a positional sense of view, makes the appropriate passes when required and is a constant presence in the midfield. He played only 21 league games last season, and 11 of them came as a substitute too. The lad is only 24-years-old and eventually, the plan seems to be to draft him into the squad as Modric appears the final stages of his career.
Should Manchester City make a move?
Pep Guardiola wants to sign a midfielder so that City’s surge towards the title and their improvement is not stunted next season. It is necessary for victorious teams to maintain an edge over their opponents, and hence City are looking at other midfield options to beef up their personnel.
If possible, then Kovacic will be an excellent signing as the EPL champions would lure one of the best young midfielders in the world currently. However, Real’s insistence on keeping him might work out well as he will genuinely expect better playing time for the team next time around.