Mateo Kovacic, who has now officially signed for Manchester City has lavished praise on to Rodri upon his arrival.
In his first interview with the club’s official YouTube channel, he was quizzed about his thoughts on competing for a place with midfielders such as the £62.8 million (Independent) man.
However, Mateo Kovacic responded by saying that he is not at all threatened by the heated competition for minutes at Manchester City, before going out of his way to laud Rodri.
Manchester City new-boy Mateo Kovacic raves about Rodri
While the Spanish international’s winner in the Champions League final may have led many to appreciate his brilliance, he has undoubtedly been the best defensive midfielder in the world since the 2021/2022 season.
Branded as ‘phenomenal’ by Danny Murphy, the 26-year-old has operated at a level that has prompted some to even claim that he is worthy of contesting for the Ballon d’Or and rightfully so.
Mateo Kovacic clearly agrees with how stunning a footballer Rodri, having faced him on a number of occasions when Manchester City have locked horns with Chelsea in recent years.
“It will be a huge pleasure to play with these midfielders, one of the best in the world. I played against Rodri now, amazing player. [Kevin] De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, when you watch the names, it’s a pleasure to be here and to play with them, so I can’t wait to try to do my best with them on the pitch.”
Rodri is starting to get the credit he deserves
While Rodri has largely been criminally underrated during his time at Manchester City, Mateo Kovacic, amongst many have concluded how incredible a midfielder he truly is.
One of Europe’s most intelligent footballers may have always been aware of his magnificence but the same cannot be said for several fans and pundits alike over the years.
Perhaps it is due to how effortless Rodri looks like while going about his business or his understated nature both on and off the pitch that have led to him having not always been on the receiving end of plaudits.
But at this point, to not wax lyrical about the treble-winner would be egregious.
