Pep Guardiola has coached a wide number of players during his time in charge of Manchester City.
Since taking the reins at the Etihad Stadium back in 2016, the Spaniard has overlooked 474 games in total, winning 351 and using many different players along the way.
Having now started his ninth Premier League campaign in charge of the Blues, Guardiola saw his side beat Chelsea 2-0 away from home on Sunday for their opening match of the campaign.
After this game, one City player who had a big impact in the game at Stamford Bridge has since found himself being spoken about by one pundit and former top-flight star for how he has developed under Guardiola.
- Man City squad numbers 2024/25: Famous shirt could be free for Pep Guardiola’s next big summer signing
Jermain Defoe says Mateo Kovacic has gone to a new level at Man City
Speaking in a recent edition of The Weekend Wrap by Premier League Productions (via Optus Sport), Jermain Defoe said this about Mateo Kovacic after seeing him score City’s second goal against Chelsea in the first game of his second Premier League campaign with the Manchester club.
He said: “We’re talking about a top player. Even before he came to Man City you were thinking this is a top player, but now, he’s gone to another level, and that shows you how good Pep is.”
Kovacic could be key for City this season
City paid £30m to sign the midfielder, who Josko Gvardiol said has helped him on and off the pitch, from Chelsea during the previous summer transfer window.
In his debut season at the club, Kovacic made 46 appearances in total across all competitions, bagging three goals and supplying one assist.
Having completed the full 90 minutes in the Community Shield against Manchester United and in the game against Chelsea, he has played a key role in the early stages of the season for City and could continue to do so throughout the campaign.
