Despite Manchester City tasting defeat at the hands of Arsenal in the Community Shield, Paul Dickov lavished praise on to Mateo Kovacic.
Speaking on City’s official YouTube channel at half-time, the club legend gave his two cents on the £25 million (Sky Sports) man.
Paul Dickov lauded Mateo Kovacic, who shone for Manchester City despite their loss to Arsenal on Sunday.
Paul Dickov raves about Mateo Kovacic as Manchester City lose to Arsenal in Community Shield
Branded as an ‘exceptional player’ by Pep Guardiola, the Croatian midfielder certain justified such a tag with his impeccable ball-carrying ability, crisp passing, sublime technical ability and tenacious tackling on the day.
Sitting in midfield alongside Rodri, the 29-year-old ran the show and was arguably the best player on the pitch until he was substituted.
Paul Dickov was wowed by how well Mateo Kovacic performed for Manchester City as his side eventually lost to Arsenal.
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“Kovacic has shown quite a few glimpses in this first half of what a good player he is. Mostly as Kevin [Campbell] said, it looks as if he’s been here for seasons. So comfortable on the ball, out of shape, he knows what he’s doing, getting in with Rodri. But with the ball, he’s got so much ability.”
Paul Dickov concluded his praise towards the Manchester City technician against Arsenal by saying, “We used to see him at Chelsea, just sitting in front of the back four and that defensive job. And now here we’re seeing that he wants to carry the ball, he’s got that defence-splitting pass in him, he can run at players as well and I think he’s been excellent.”
It’s hard to disagree with the pundit, as the three-time Champions League winner seems like he will become a real fan favourite in sky blue, as he already looks well and truly settled at his new club.