8 | Mateo Kovacic - 2023/24

[Vialli98]

He is a top player and a really astute purchase. I am friendly with several Chelsea fans and they are absolutely gutted to lose him, believing that he was just about their best player.

I don't think he was our best player but he was generally excellent for us over 5 years. It was sad to see him go but I do think it was the right time for him and the club to part ways. I think Chelsea were right in not wanting to offer him an extension and he was right in wanting a new challenge. Amicable divorce. Wish him nothing but the best, except when he plays us.

 

[Vialli98]

The clips don't show anything "exciting" but it looks like he's played for us for years. Patient and calm with the ball. I think he could well be one of the surprise standouts next season

That is exactly how he started for us too. Seems like he's great at adapting to new teammates and fitting in with new teams. He developed an instant connection with Hazard and Giroud. It's weird seeing clips of him playing for City. I have to say he does fit your style of play like a glove.

 

[Blue_Lightsaber]

That is exactly how he started for us too. Seems like he's great at adapting to new teammates and fitting in with new teams. He developed an instant connection with Hazard and Giroud. It's weird seeing clips of him playing for City. I have to say he does fit your style of play like a glove.

In your opinion.. was he at his best under Tuchel, Lampard or Sarri?

 

[TonyM]

I wish he'd pass a tiny bit stronger. Some of the passes are trickles which could get intercepted. Hopefully that'll come with time as he trusts tge first touch of his teammates.

 

[oldius]

I don't think he was our best player but he was generally excellent for us over 5 years. It was sad to see him go but I do think it was the right time for him and the club to part ways. I think Chelsea were right in not wanting to offer him an extension and he was right in wanting a new challenge. Amicable divorce. Wish him nothing but the best, except when he plays us.

Great post.
Sometimes it is just the right time and the player, his new club, and his old club benefit. Good luck for the new season.

 

[Kamaro011]

Still remember some of the people in there is underwhelmed that our club signing Kovacic.

I hope they are gonna eat they words because Kovacic will be great next season.

 

[OB1]

Still remember some of the people in there is underwhelmed that our club signing Kovacic.

I hope they are gonna eat they words because Kovacic will be great next season.

I've said since he was first linked last season that he'd be a really good addition.

Nothing has dimmed my confidence about being right on that.

 

[Crooked_rain]

What I liked watching was him actually doing a lot of directing on the pitch, a lot of pointing telling players around him to watch for runners and be in the right place and things like that

Looks a bit of a leader in that respect. Can't imagine too many players are comfortable walking into a treble winning side and already looking like one of the leaders and it's only pre-season.

Tells you that he's confident and also very aware on the pitch.

I can see Pep loving him. I was very happy when we signed him. I can imagine him being a player that can go under the radar to your average footy fan but his fellow pros understand how good he is, like Sterling said.

I think he's going to turn out to be a great signing.

 

[Le Havre Oswald]

I wish he'd pass a tiny bit stronger. Some of the passes are trickles which could get intercepted. Hopefully that'll come with time as he trusts tge first touch of his teammates.

I’m fairly confident a top class midfielder knows how to pass a football and how hard to pass it

 

[Sir peace frog]

croatians ,they are the european argies, brilliant players and hard as fuck

 

[Vialli98]

In your opinion.. was he at his best under Tuchel, Lampard or Sarri?

Individually I think he was at his best in Lampard's first season, which would be Kovacic's second season. His partnership with Jorginho in the pivot was unreal that season. The team was set up a bit in a way that got the best out of him.

He brilliant under Tuchel too but I think when everyone was fit Tuchel preferred Kante and Jorginho over him. But in big games, he always stood up, especially vs Liverpool and Spurs. He loves playing against them.

 

[WallyA]

I did think he would play more as the 8/10 higher up (the attacking 2) but perhaps he is better deeper in our box midfield (the defensive 2).

More minutes to try Julian in attacking midfield, and gives us 4 options in the 2 defensive spots.

 

[Silva2021]

I really wanted Bellingham, although I understand this signing would have been made regardless.

Whilst I’m sure Bellingham will get the plaudits and been a great long term solution.

This guy as a shorter term one will this season and next probably be the better player.

Expect Pep to be very happy and him doing the important role for the team that might not catch the headlines.

 

[TonyM]

I’m fairly confident a top class midfielder knows how to pass a football and how hard to pass it

Surprisingly you'll see a lot being very slow passers. I love seeing crisp accurate passing. Maybe I've just been spoiled by our past players.

 

[TonyM]

I really wanted Bellingham, although I understand this signing would have been made regardless.

Whilst I’m sure Bellingham will get the plaudits and been a great long term solution.

This guy as a shorter term one will this season and next probably be the better player.

Expect Pep to be very happy and him doing the important role for the team that might not catch the headlines.

I watched some highlights of him last night against united and even though he did some great stuff he also was a bit headless in what he was attempting. I wonder if the weight of tge signing could eventually impact him.

 

[Crooked_rain]

I watched some highlights of him last night against united and even though he did some great stuff he also was a bit headless in what he was attempting. I wonder if the weight of tge signing could eventually impact him.

He can be a bit wasteful but I can see him tidying up his play a lot there. His talent is obvious.

In a way, I think if Mbappe signed for Madrid that would help Bellingham. All eyes would then be on Mbappe rather than Bellingham's price tag. Then he could just get on with improving his craft.

I think Grealish actually benefitted from a superstar like Haaland joining us for a similar reason.

 

[shroom]

Kovacic vs Atletico compilation vid

 

[RonnieColeman123]

He is a brilliant player. The way he turns with the ball under pressure, his technical and his defensive ability are all of a very high level. If he adds goals and the final ball to his game he could be out of this world but he doesn’t need to. He’s already class.

 

[FantasyIreland]

Agent Kova doing his bit to ensure his compatriot arrives.

 

[balotelli's back pocket]

He's a lovely player. I think he'll end up playing a lot deeper for us, as more of a 6 than an 8.

It wouldn't surprise me if Pep's plan for resting/covering Stones is to move Rodri into his role and play Kovacic as the 6. So Kovacic effectively rotates with both Rodri and Stones.