8 | Mateo Kovacic - 2023/24

[Trojan1962]

not convinced by him, average so far and seems to only last 70 minutes

Apart from today I think he’s been excellent so far. An off day for all today.

 

[Millwallawayveteran1988]

Apart from today I think he’s been excellent so far. An off day for all today.

Has he been excellent because of Rodri though? The thought of him playing in that role against Arsenal without him is not a good one. We shall see.

 

[Txiki Txiki Bang Bang]

Failed to step up today,disappointed with that.....i thought he had bigger bollocks.

That's the thing about having big balls. They tend to get in the way sometimes, I'm guessing that's why he lost the ball so many times today

 

[Worsleyweb]

He is no Gundo

 

[Paul1970]

He is no Gundo

Gundo had plenty of shit games aswell.

 

[Manchester_lalala]

Gundo had plenty of shit games aswell.

People have short memories. Remember many times after a loss people claiming Kev and Gundo can’t play together.

 

[Brewster's millions]

He is no Gundo

He isn’t, he’s a different player and doesn’t get forward anywhere near as much as Gundogan. Gundogan’s pace and strength when making runs into the box was always going to be hard to replace and Kovacic isn’t that player.

I still think however that a midfield of Rodri, Kovacic and KDB will be extremely effective and perhaps help us retain the ball a little better.

 

[Dax777]

Has he been excellent because of Rodri though? The thought of him playing in that role against Arsenal without him is not a good one. We shall see.

Nah, hea been excellent on his own account. Playing Rodri's role was a bit tougher granted.

 

[wolviedinho]

Fist time today we seen his limitations. He needs to be more careful with his passing as once he loses the ball the defence is all over the shop with how we play. Poor few games now maybe it is a fitness thing. Looks a different animal with Rodri. Maybe he is being asked too much too soon. Cut out the loose passes and keep it simple.

 

[applejuice]

Mateo is too eager to get some G/A status...some passes to Halaand really make no sense.

 

[applejuice]

I didn't think Bobb was a bad sub(I was certainly surprised), but I was shocked that it was Nunes coming off versus Kovacic. Bad day in the office for him and Pep IMO.

BTW was Pep allowed to communicate? I thought that he was banned from communication. Maybe I am wrong.

 

[JewelZee]

I'm a massive fan of his but my word he had a stinker. Gets some leeway for the fact that however much pep may try to force it, he's not a solo 6, he's never been able to do it at madrid or chelsea and at his age it's unlikely to ever be. He needs to do better but i attribute more blame on pep for doing it when it's not his game.

Even with that I'd have left him on rather than bring on Phillips...JMO

 

[urban genie]

Awfully weak yesterday in the DM role, looked like the kovacic of chelsea last year, got bullied by an aggressive wolves team

 

[skillman]

Amazed at the bewilderment of him passing to Haaland as if it’s just a negative trait in his game. He’s being told to do it and force the passes through.

Off day yesterday, plenty of time to make up for it. Was tasked with controlling the midfield essentially on his own after about 5 games playing in the team. In arguably the most important position in a Pep team.

Some hyperbole in here, though. Christ.

 

[Akira]

Awful most parts yesterday. Partly culpable for Wolves' first goal. I did like him trying to pick out through passes forward, but he wasn't careful enough with his ball retention game. Didn't look comfortable playing the pivot.

Still I think the guy's been quality for us so far, one game won't change my confidence in him yet.

 

[JOGAMIGMOG]

Suffering from Mangala Syndrome. An affliction which renders one useless after an outstanding debut!
In Mangala’s case it was terminal and I’m just hoping Kova has a light dose and can shake it off.

 

[Belgian Flash]

At Madrid Kovacic was the best as part of a three man midfield, either right sided or preferably left sided. I don't think hes suited for the double pivot.

 

[YatesA]

Not his forte cdm which is unfortunate, his driving runs and deceptive passes between the lines whilst driving with the ball are best aspect of his game. Can't be doing that regularly as a CDM.

 

[applejuice]

At Madrid Kovacic was the best as part of a three man midfield, either right sided or preferably left sided. I don't think hes suited for the double pivot.

Maybe it is the case for Real United or Liverpool. But in current City set up our two "attacking midfielders" are almost operating like a 10 or a second striker when we attack. Not very suitable.

 

[SamBlue]

His performances at Chelsea started dropping off as they started pushing him more and more back into DM role. Also that is when he started picking up injuries.