Mateo Kovacic featured for 45 minutes in Saturday's friendly against Inter Milan, a chance to deputise in the middle of the park with Rodri likely to miss the first part of the campaign after back surgery. Kovacic's recent injuries have limited his appearances for Manchester City, with the midfielder playing only nine times last season due to Achilles and ankle problems.
The 32-year-old has entered the final year of his contract at Etihad Stadium and is yet to be offered a new deal, sparking reports of interest from Serie A sides Juventus and former club Inter Milan. Despite this, Kovacic is confident in his future at City, saying he spoke with the club and they "count on me."
New boss Enzo Maresca sounded unconvincing when asked about Kovacic's future, but the player is in no doubt. "I didn't feel the question marks from them," Kovacic said. "I spoke with them, it was that they count on me, which was important for me to hear that from them."
Maresca's style of play has been praised by some of his new players, with 20-year-old forward James Maddison hailing it as "music to my ears." The Italian manager is likely to give young players a chance to shine, with Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez, and new club record signing Elliot Anderson all vying for a starting role in the middle of the park.
Anderson, who joined City for £116m from Nottingham Forest, is yet to link up with his new team-mates as he enjoys extra time off following his exploits with England at the World Cup. Kovacic thinks the 23-year-old will bring a lot of quality and physicality to the side, saying: "He is young, so he can improve a lot still at City, and I think it's a great signing for us."
The signing of Anderson has been seen as a statement of intent by City, who have spent big on central midfielders in recent years. Chelsea signed Moises Caicedo for £115m and Enzo Fernandez for £106m, while Arsenal spent £100m on Declan Rice. Kovacic thinks the Premier League is the best league in the world, saying: "I think it is the best league and the best players are here."
With Rodri likely to miss the first part of the campaign, Kovacic will have a chance to deputise in the middle of the park. The 32-year-old is confident in his ability to fill the spot, saying: "I've played together with Rodri and without him as well, so with him not being here now I can of course fill that spot, but let's see when he comes back."
The transfer window is still open, and it remains to be seen whether City will offer Kovacic a new deal. If they don't, the midfielder will be free to join another club in the summer.
Source: Yahoo Sports
