Manchester City may already have the ideal player to provide cover Rodri | OneFootball

Over the summer finding quality support and cover has been the biggest concern for Manchester City. So far the champions haven’t added a player to fulfil that role. But based on the performance of Mateo Kovacic during City’s 2-nil win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge the champions may already have the ideal player for that role. If that proves to be the case it will be a massive boost for the champions for what lies ahead this season.

Heading into yesterday’s game Pep Guardiola informed the media that Rodri would be unavailable for Manchester City’s first Premier League game of the season. Last season this was a major cause for concern for Pep Guardiola’s side. The champions lost every Premier League game that Rodri missed last season. But yesterday’s game followed a different script. Mateo Kovacic stepped up and was pivotal in Manchester City’s impressive win. The best compliment that can be paid to the performance of Kovacic is that it was Rodri-esque.

READ MORE: Manchester City set the standard for what lies ahead during their impressive win over Chelsea.

The Croatian international dictated proceedings in midfield for Manchester City. He set the tone for City’s impressive win. Kovacic was calm in possession and strong in a challenge when required. His surging runs from midfield were also a standout feature of his performance. It was one of those runs from midfield that saw Kovacic score City’s second goal and end the game. Kovacic was superb in midfield in a dominant all-around display.

Mateo Kovacic wasn’t alone in helping Manchester City dominate in midfield yesterday. He had quality support from Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Rico Lewis. But it was Kovacic who expertly filled the role that Rodri had made his own. But he was arguably City’s man-of-the-match alongside Rico Lewis yesterday at Stamford Bridge. He provided the perfect cover for Rodri as City’s midfield general continues to recover from his summer exertions for Spain.

There is no doubt that Manchester City will look to add another midfielder over the final days of the transfer window. It does appear to be an area of need in Pep Guardiola’s squad. But Mateo Kovacic showed yesterday that he can be the man to provide Rodri with the cover and support he needs. If Manchester City can’t find a player to add to their squad then the Croatian is more than able to do the job. He showed that yesterday against Chelsea’s much vaunted midfield.