8 | Mateo Kovačić - 2024/25

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He was great yesterday, he is a very very good player and I just hope his levels are more consistent this year as he had similarly good games last year but not enough of them. Not saying his levels were bad last year (7/10 at least each game) just that he can hit the heights and I want to see him do so more often
 
The fact that Rodri didn’t get a single mention during the commentary tells you how well Kova played yesterday
 
doobyedoobye said:
There you have it. Rodri back up money can now get back in the piggy bank
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I agree to a certain extent, but we do need a bigger squad than we currently have.

Where do you think we should strengthen? I would still go for a Rodri understudy. A young lad, who can take time to learn the rôle, and will be under no pressure to hit the ground running, as well as a striker.
 
WallyA said:
As ive said before, he is a great Rodri backup.

But maybe Pep will want to start both?

Kova still isnt the 8 like Bernie is, so I dont see that.

An alternative is asking Rodri to start as a CB and push into midfield next to Kova. Quite curious if Pep tries this.
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If he’s not a 6, and he’s not an 8, do you think he’s a 7?
 
Vienna_70 said:
If he’s not a 6, and he’s not an 8, do you think he’s a 7?
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When did I say he isnt a 6?

He is, I prefer him operating deeper rather than between the lines.

I was speculating how Pep would play both him and Rodri. I suggested Rodri playing "the Stones role", while others suggested letting Rodri play like an 8, as he has good offensive qualities as well.

It will be interesting to see what Pep does. Maybe he only rotates with Rodri and they dont play together.
 
skillman said:
We had Ake and Stones on the bench today already, doubt it'd do much good for squad harmony if we added Dias/Akanji to it for Rodri to play there.

Rodri would be an immense 8 IMO, his finishing is brilliant and arrives in good areas a lot of the time.
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Rodri won’t be playing any other position than the one he does. Apart from Erling and possibly Rúben, he’s the only outfield player, who only plays one position.

And, as he’s the best in the business at it, he won’t be going anywhere.
 
Vienna_70 said:
I agree to a certain extent, but we do need a bigger squad than we currently have.

Where do you think we should strengthen? I would still go for a Rodri understudy. A young lad, who can take time to learn the rôle, and will be under no pressure to hit the ground running, as well as a striker.
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We definitely need a back up striker to replace the Alvarez minutes.. That's beyond critical..I don't have the stomach for another season of False 9 witchcraftery
 
Like a number of players we’ve signed, it’s taken Kovacic a season to kick on. I think he’ll have some great matches this season. I like him.
 
MCFC Wirral said:
Like a number of players we’ve signed, it’s taken Kovacic a season to kick on. I think he’ll have some great matches this season. I like him.
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He was already great last season, got MOTM for us at least a few times. He is very underappreciated on BM. The amount of posters calling him a transfer flop is ridiculous. He has been brilliant, IMO.
 
Pep says he’s class on and off the field. Gvardiol says he’s class at home and in the dressing room.
Bluemooners? Not sure!

Me? Only know what I’ve seen and he seems a class act, who can also play a bit, so I’m going with Pep (his coach) and Gman (who says Kova is a father figure for him at the club)!
 
Haaland94 said:
He was already great last season, got MOTM for us at least a few times. He is very underappreciated on BM. The amount of posters calling him a transfer flop is ridiculous. He has been brilliant, IMO.
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I’ve not called him a flop. I’ve not even suggested it. Nunes and Phillips were.

Last season, my first choice XI wouldn’t have included Kovacic. He only started against Chelsea in such a prominent position because Rodri didn’t.

That goal was one of the best things he’s done in a Blue shirt so far.
 
I think that he should be given more game time to build on his confidence as Rodri back up. Last season he was shifted between 8 and 6 and it made a lot of confusions and it is not easy for him.

With Gundo back and Bernado able to play 8 as well I hope to see Rodri getting more rest and Kova getting more minutes there. He is a successor for Fernandinho.
 
Haaland94 said:
He was already great last season, got MOTM for us at least a few times. He is very underappreciated on BM. The amount of posters calling him a transfer flop is ridiculous. He has been brilliant, IMO.
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Other than Wolves and Arsenal away I cant think of a game he's let us down. Solid last season and was getting better and better as it went on.
 
Ironically, Gundo coming back might mean Kovacic becomes more important. I think Pep would have more confidence to play Kovacic in a midfield with Gundo in some games rather than flog Rodri for 60+ games.

Then again, Kovacic did feature in 30 league games last season, so Pep rates him highly anyway.

He's a quality player. Some don't seem to see it.
 
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