Mateo Kovacic

[Trickyblues]

I don't think Rico is all that, but might just be me.

Very young still, so be interesting to see how he develops.

Never a defender, mind.

He’s the reason John Stones started playing the midfield role…

 

[PabZabb]

I don't think Rico is all that, but might just be me.

Very young still, so be interesting to see how he develops.

Never a defender, mind.

It’s all about opinions but I’ll have to completely disagree on that one, I think he’s a fabulous player.

Great at receiving and using the ball in tight spaces, takes care of each pass as Pep would say, and for a short fella he can look after himself.

I think we’re only scratching the surface with him at the moment. The best compliment you could give him is that he doesn’t look out of place in our midfield.

 

[richards30]

It’s all about opinions but I’ll have to completely disagree on that one, I think he’s a fabulous player.

Great at receiving and using the ball in tight spaces, takes care of each pass as Pep would say, and for a short fella he can look after himself.

I think we’re only scratching the surface with him at the moment. The best compliment you could give him is that he doesn’t look out of place in our midfield.

a young Kimmich dare we say hence why Pep has such a love for him?

 

[Any1aBlue]

He’s young and like all young players makes mistakes; the goal in the defeat at Spurs was an example of that. He still needs to develop physically so mistakes will inevitably happen when he plays in midfield where the pressure is greater.

Wow - that’s harsh to highlight that.

 

[Gabriel]

Wow - that’s harsh to highlight that.

Not really. If they’re in the starting eleven, they’re there on merit and get treated like everyone else, so if they get done in a game, as he was, then they just have to hold their hands up and bounce back. They all make mistakes, more so when they’re young and learning. Better to highlight the mistakes and learn from them than pretend otherwise, though.

 

[FantasyIreland]

I don't think Rico is all that, but might just be me.

Very young still, so be interesting to see how he develops.

Never a defender, mind.

There is something missing that makes him truly special,and it isn't age or experience.
He doesn't have that aura or x factor the very best have....a talent definitely and great attitude,but i suspect he'll be used less and less and ultimately sold within 18 months or so.

He needs to find an identity too,otherwise he could become the very useful but none descript utility type.

 

[Silva2021]

I think Rico has something but whether it will be enough for City long term is debatable.

Back to Kovacic some underestimating here, he is a great player (it’s only recently I think opposing fans have realised how good Gundogan is and there may be a bit of this, with this guy).

To be clear, I’m not saying he is as good as Gundogan (not sure who that player is) but I think some will be surprised how good technically he is.

 

[blue b4 the moon]

What’s wrong with wanting Academy kids to be given a chance? When I first moved to Manchester in 1984 it was the young local lads that the City fans were so proud of. Our Chairman has just praised the academy to the maximum - “the treble treble” etc.
If we lose our experienced players this summer I would like our younger Academy players to be considered. Simple as that.

I'm a big lover of the Academy and yeah sometimes we get the easy stuff wrong, moving Lavia up rather than buying Phillips (who could yet be a fantastic signing) wasn't currently our best move however, the days of a City 11 all from being Foden's age isn't going to happen even with us kicking arse at all junior levels.

If that's what your goal is fine but don't expect to dominate like we currently do. We'd turn onto a mid/low Prem side. There's not many as yet that have had a worldie career.

All that being said I do wish we'd at least rotate a couple of kids on the bench and actually bring them on in 'safe' games it'd give all the kids a boost & increase sales values too.

 

[FantasyIreland]

I think Rico has something but whether it will be enough for City long term is debatable.

Back to Kovacic some underestimating here, he is a great player (it’s only recently I think opposing fans have realised how good Gundogan is and there may be a bit of this, with this guy).

To be clear, I’m not saying he is as good as Gundogan (not sure who that player is) but I think some will be surprised how good technically he is.

Agree,although I think the Dippers got the better player in MacAllister.

 

[richards30]

Agree,although I think the Dippers got the better player in MacAllister.

something very strange about the Mac Allister to the dippers deal imo.