Danny Murphy has said that while Mateo Kovacic is a cracking player, his lack of output is not ideal for Manchester City.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s official YouTube channel, the well-known pundit looked at him from the lens of a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan.
In that sense, while Danny Murphy does rate the signing of Mateo Kovacic by Manchester City, he has pinpointed his inability to churn out big goal and assist numbers.
Danny Murphy says Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City is a 7/10 transfer
Back in April, it was reported that Pep Guardiola himself was especially keen on the £25 million (Sky Sports) man’s arrival at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite not having had his finest season at Chelsea, it is clear to see that City had no doubts about how much he could add to their side next season.
Danny Murphy, who was quizzed about his thoughts on Mateo Kovacic joining Manchester City did point out a flaw in his game, which stops him from waxing lyrical about the move.
“I like it. Experienced, super player, we won’t get as many goals as [Ilkay] Gundogan or assists, that’s not him. I like it but 7 [out of 10]”, he said.
Mateo Kovacic may not actually have come in to replace Ilkay Gundogan
While Danny Murphy certainly has a point, one wonders if Manchester City brought the 29-year-old in as the Ilkay Gundogan replacement.
After all, while the German international is an expert in the final third, the Croatian international is as traditional a No.8 as one can come across.
A likelier solution would be for Phil Foden to emerge as Ilkay Gundogan’s successor, especially in Pep Guardiola’s current system due to his natural position being as an advanced midfielder.
Kovacic seems tailor-made to play in double pivot alongside Rodri, behind Foden, who looks set to finally be given the keys in midfield.
