8 | Mateo Kovacic - 2023/24

[Blue Smarties]

The two players that surprised me most when I saw them in person were Akanji (because he seems way bigger in person) and Kovacic because the way he slaloms through people just isn’t captured well from above. You’re sure he’s going to fall down but he surprisingly comes through the other side on his feet. He did that a few times tonight. I wish we could have a ground level camera. I not savvy enough to pick up all the intricacies of the midfield options, but Rodri seems to be more comfortable when Kovacic was there compared to our other options and that feels like a good thing. Seems freer maybe? Maybe just my perception.

Possible communication. I remember an interview with Rodri earlier on in the season where he says as Kovacic is fluent in Spanish, that's how they communicate during a match and he finds it easier to communicate with him than he did Gundo.

Found it - https://www.manchestercity.news/sma...-kovacic-could-actually-make-him-even-better/

 

[Akira]

Offers us a stability and calmness in midfield whenever he comes on. Maybe it's fitness or caution against injuries, because he should be starting more.

 

[SkyBlueFlux]

I never had any doubts when it comes to Kova. It was clear from day one that he has bags of quality. The thing is, he plays in the most difficult part of the pitch, and so having a few games out can be really disruptive. It is immensely noticeable when he is a little rusty. He just needs regular minutes and the performances will follow.

He is a brilliant player to have in the squad, has the potential with a bit more time to be as much of a stalwart as Gundogan was.

 

[Phil1]

Started off great, got deserved plaudits, got injured then like most struggled a little when coming back and got fucking pelters from some quarters, proper ott criticism from those who never learn and now finding his way again.
Top player who brings us something a bit different through the middle.
He’s doing alright I reckon.

 

[applejuice]

Offers us a stability and calmness in midfield whenever he comes on. Maybe it's fitness or caution against injuries, because he should be starting more.

He does better as a sub than a starter. Same story at Real and Chelsea.

 

[Oystercatcher28]

I often wonder if some read his Wikipedia playing style section and give their heads a wobble, or instantly click edit and remove the hard facts.

Kovacic is a box to box midfielder. He can do many roles in midfield. We have yet to see his full ability because City haven't gelled at all. Taking out Mahrez, Gundogan and even Laporte with Palmer, would always leave first team training squad gaps and the final matchday dynamics.

This attitude of instantly clicking is fantasy and rarely do we see it happen. Some hit through ground running, get a run, and the football flows. Most take a little longer. Even so, being in with the shout for 3 trophies and having players like Kova playing regularly makes for an optimistic second half of the season. Especially on the back of Kova's appearances this last week or so.

 

[Gigant]

I won't say it's a rule, but it is somewhat indicative that we won every game in which Rodri and Kovačić played at least 25 minutes together.

Burnley (0:3)
Newcastle (1:0)
Sheff Utd (1:2)
Fulham (5:1)
Bournemouth (6:1)
Luton (1:2)
Everton (1:3)

Against Liverpool, Tottenham, Palace and Chelsea, he either didn't play at all, or didn't play more than 11 minutes, we didn't manage to win all the games. (doesn't have to mean anything)
;


Other matches we won with Rodri in the team but without him ; Utd , Forrest , Brighton and West Ham
Bernardo played his position 3x , and Nunes 1x

 

[B\connellblue]

I won't say it's a rule, but it is somewhat indicative that we won every game in which Rodri and Kovačić played at least 25 minutes together.

Burnley (0:3)
Newcastle (1:0)
Sheff Utd (1:2)
Fulham (5:1)
Bournemouth (6:1)
Luton (1:2)
Everton (1:3)

Against Liverpool, Tottenham, Palace and Chelsea, he either didn't play at all, or didn't play more than 11 minutes, we didn't manage to win all the games. (doesn't have to mean anything)
;


Other matches we won with Rodri in the team but without him ; Utd , Forrest , Brighton and West Ham
Bernardo played his position 3x , and Nunes 1x

What exactly does this tell us?
What was the score in these games when he was brought on? Or did he start these games and if so what what was the score when he was replaced? It's far to vague to draw any.conclusions from.

 

[Gigant]

started all games except this one with Everton.

I just want to state that although the statistical sample is not large, when we pair Kovačić with Rodri, it is definitely easier to get to our game, keep possession, do not lose the ball and, ultimately, it is easier to keep the lead until the end of the game, which was a huge problem for us in at least half of the games this season.

 

[Bill Walker]

He did, took the midfield by the scruff of the neck as it’s said and we were much the better for it.

I really like Kova. Gets about the pitch very well, rarely loses possession. He has different attributes to Rodri but can turn defence into attack with his passing....Can't believe how some City fans were knocking him not long ago, saying things like we shopped at Aldi. Now it's Nunes turn to get it ffs.
Kova has that kind of face like you wouldn't argue with him in a pub. :)