8 | Mateo Kovacic - 2023/24

[decmancity]

 

[Ajm1985]

Hahaha love that

 

[Lauz9888]

Decent debut, I thought. More to come as he gets used to Pep and his teammates but it looks like he's slotting in nicely.

 

[clarion]

It is obvious he is going to play that Gundo role. Defensively it is an upgrade.
But that role brought us some important goals in last 2 seasons. Kova doesn’t seem to be comfortable with the ball close to goal. This is going to be a challenge for Pep => make Kova creating and scoring goals. I think Pep will reach it with him to some level. The question is where is the Foden’s place? If Phil is going to play that role also, Kova will be cup player and decent replacement.

 

[Haaland94]

He had a very good debut. Very confident on the ball, good passing, worked hard. One of our best players in the 1st half.

 

[Lauz9888]

It is obvious he is going to play that Gundo role. Defensively it is an upgrade.
But that role brought us some important goals in last 2 seasons. Kova doesn’t seem to be comfortable with the ball close to goal. This is going to be a challenge for Pep => make Kova creating and scoring goals. I think Pep will reach it with him to some level. The question is where is the Foden’s place? If Phil is going to play that role also, Kova will be cup player and decent replacement.

If we look at those 2 attacking midfield roles as generally being fulfilled by one solid, classy tempo-setter who can control games, step back into defensive midfield when needed and chip in creatively when the opportunity arises (Gundo, Bernardo) and one dynamic, creative powerhouse who can turn games around with moments of magic and consistently put up big goal/assist numbers (KDB) then Kovacic is Gundo's replacement and Phil is KDB's student.

I don't see us playing both KDB and Foden together in the middle very often because they're both high risk, high reward players. If we're pushing desperately for a goal to win the league or keep a cup run alive, sure, but probably not as a go-to line-up because it would leave us over-exposed in transitions.

So Kovacic should get plenty of game-time if he proves himself good enough because Bernardo, if he stays, will probably also be getting minutes on the wing.

 

[RayCTID]

An effective half and I am looking forward to how he really gels with the team

 

[Agueroooo9320]

If we look at those 2 attacking midfield roles as generally being fulfilled by one solid, classy tempo-setter who can control games, step back into defensive midfield when needed and chip in creatively when the opportunity arises (Gundo, Bernardo) and one dynamic, creative powerhouse who can turn games around with moments of magic and consistently put up big goal/assist numbers (KDB) then Kovacic is Gundo's replacement and Phil is KDB's student.

I don't see us playing both KDB and Foden together in the middle very often because they're both high risk, high reward players. If we're pushing desperately for a goal to win the league or keep a cup run alive, sure, but probably not as a go-to line-up because it would leave us over-exposed in transitions.

So Kovacic should get plenty of game-time if he proves himself good enough because Bernardo, if he stays, will probably also be getting minutes on the wing.

agree with your analysis, the OP is not thinking properly.

 

[mancityscot]

great carrier of the ball, not easily dispossessed and can pick a pass. Great debut

 

[Any1aBlue]

You can see he has ability. Unlike Phillips