I think it’s so important to have players like him - mature, calm, well-liked, experienced, able to put in a shift. Realistically, we are not going to have two back-ups for Rodri that are 100% his caliber (or any player). Because they’re going to go to another team to start rather than be Rodris back-up. And in light of that, I think players like Kova are exactly the type of player we should be happy to have. Even with his faults.
Agreed. Altho , his some of his faults were may be not so easy to see when Kova played a run of matches ,free of injury ,alongside Rodri.. rather than in place of him...
Watching this man play Football when he is on form is an education.
The close control in tight areas,the tidying up in front of the back four the willingness to put a foot in and make that tackle, the carrying of the ball ,over short distances with aplomp and purpose ,in effect,driving the team forward and making the oppennent back pedal ..is what I have seen from him in, short bursts throughout this season.
Won't be every body's cup of tea, but John McGovern and Archie Gemmil used to play a similar role in Derby county's title winning years in the 70s ...workaholics,playing for the team,very little fancy ball work, but determined, attrional play. Kovacic reminds me of these two players but he is perhaps a step above ,with a better touch ,when in full flow.
The links between Brian Clough and Pep ,and their dedication to tidy football played on the ground ,with industrious mid field players who carried out the managers orders to the point,( ie keeping their posistions)resulting in league titles and European success , are there for all to see.
To me ,Kovacic in his first season at City looks just like Gundog, who went on to develop his game and flourish in diff areas of the pitch..I doubt Kova will do that with City due to his age.....but you never,ever know with Pep!
