Transfer News:
Manchester City walked away with the
Premier League title last season and are showing that they still have
the hunger and intent to retain the trophy again. Their spending spree
ensured that Pep Guardiola had a well-stocked unit last season around,
hence, this they require only certain furnishes in the squad this
summer. Hence, it appears that City are still looking to add midfield
options in their lineup ahead of the season.
After missing out on Fred and Jorginho, City have
reportedly turned their attention towards Mateo Kovacic. The Croatian
midfielder had very limited playing time for Real Madrid last season,
and will surely look for a team that can provide him with consistent
minutes on the field. Due to the presence of the likes of Luka Modric
and Toni Kroos, he did not make it to the starting XI of the UCL
Champions on a regular basis. However, that does not give a good
indication of the talent that he possesses.
Mateo Kovacic: Player Profile
Kovacic is a deep-lying playmaker of
sorts, someone who stations himself deeper down the field and relies on
breaking attacks through some smart and astute off-the-ball positioning.
His footwork is immaculate, and that enables him to break open into
free spaces. Kovacic is brilliant with the possession of the ball, and
it is understandable why there is unrest over his future with Real
Madrid.
He is technically sound and possesses the skills to regularly
excel as a midfielder. Kovacic’s slow dribbling helps him get out of
closed spaces, and then his vision enables him to distribute the ball
accurately.
He can thread in through
balls, or lump in the required long deliveries depending upon the
situation of the game. The Croat is a quick thinker, and quite mature
for his age. He is aware from a positional sense of view, makes the
appropriate passes when required and is a constant presence in the
midfield.
He played only 21 league games last
season, and 11 of them came as a substitute too. The lad is only
24-years-old and eventually, the plan seems to be to draft him into the
squad as Modric appears the final stages of his career.
Should Manchester City make a move?
Pep Guardiola wants to sign a midfielder
so that City’s surge towards the title and their improvement is not
stunted next season. It is necessary for victorious teams to maintain an
edge over their opponents, and hence City are looking at other midfield
options to beef up their personnel.
If possible, then Kovacic will be an
excellent signing as the EPL champions would lure one of the best young
midfielders in the world currently. However, Real’s insistence on
keeping him might work out well as he will genuinely expect better
playing time for the team next time around.
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