Erling Haaland was not the only Manchester City player who caught the eye during the 3-1 victory over West Ham on Saturday, with Mateo Kovacic impressing once again in midfield.
The Croatian had a decent first season at the Etihad after joining from Chelsea for £25m, but he has gone up another gear since the start of this campaign.
Supporters on X have been keen to recognise Kovacic’s contribution as the Cityzens made it three wins from three at the weekend:
He’s been superb so far this season.
— Luke🏆🏆🏆 (@Komps4) August 31, 2024
It’s funny how people think about the 2nd-season rule under Pep but it’s always applied to the high-potential players, not the established performers like Kova. Why shouldn’t it apply to him too? He looks unbelievable at the moment and it’s that second season difference!
— Kyle Floyd (@kflo2020) August 31, 2024
He looks so well settled into Pep ball now.
— Johnny De Jesus | 🇵🇷 (@johnnydejesus_) August 31, 2024
Yes, this needs to be talked about more. He’s been brilliant.
— Ruff (@RuffledSports0) August 31, 2024
He has adapted to the demands of Pep! He has always been a great player, but now he is relearning the game from a different perspective
— 🩵L Hus🩵 🦉🥷 (@MCI_Hus) August 31, 2024
Always been a baller 👍🏼 Just needs time to settle in 🙏🏼Class permanent form temporary 🩵
— John Dziedzic (@johndozzy) August 31, 2024
Kovacic has settled into life at City
As some fans have pointed out, the 30-year-old has always been this good but he wasn’t always able to show it last season for one reason or another.
Kovacic even admitted that, despite being a seasoned campaigner, he had to adapt to his new role at no.6. Speaking back in April, he said:
“The positioning – to stay, to cover, to not get caught up with the ball – is a thing I have to improve. What is asked of the No.6 is to hold the position, to stay there and to not get too much involved in going everywhere, which is sometimes difficult for a guy that is used to going.”
Based on what we have seen from Kovacic in the past few matches, he seems to have adapted his game and the team is now reaping the benefits.
Rodri will be back after the international break
Despite his excellent form, Kovacic knows his place in the team will come under pressure when players return to club action in a fortnight.
Rodri was back on the bench for the first time this season against the Hammers and he could be brought back into the starting lineup when City face Brentford on Saturday week.
