8 | Mateo Kovacic - 2023/24

[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.