Kovačić Ahead of Gonzalez for City Starting Spot
The Croatian international has earned a more prominent role at Manchester City and is expected to start against Arsenal in the Community Shield.
The Croatian international has earned a more prominent role at Manchester City and is expected to start against Arsenal in the Community Shield.
Mateo Kovačić (32) has taken on a more prominent role in Manchester City's squad ahead of the new season. According to Index.hr, citing Jack Gaughan, a Daily Mail journalist covering the club, the Croatian midfielder is currently ahead of Spaniard Nico Gonzalez in the midfield pecking order and is expected to be in the starting lineup on Sunday against Arsenal in the Community Shield.
At the start of the summer, Kovačić's future at the Etihad was uncertain. The club was considering changes in midfield, and the Croatian international's name was linked with a potential departure. However, in early August, English media reported that Kovačić had decided to stay and see out the final year of his contract after talks with club officials.
According to Gaughan's information, new City manager Enzo Maresca sees Kovačić ahead of Nico Gonzalez in the midfield hierarchy. During pre-season, Kovačić regularly got minutes and is expected to maintain that advantage at the start of the competitive season. Gonzalez also had opportunities in pre-season and remains an important part of the squad, so a fierce battle for places is anticipated in midfield.
Kovačić's status was under additional scrutiny due to City's summer changes in midfield. Bernardo Silva has moved to Real Madrid, while the future of several other midfielders was speculated about during the transfer window. Among those who could leave is Rodri, who has been linked with a possible move to Barcelona if the clubs reach an agreement.
Last season was marred by injuries for Kovačić. After surgery on his Achilles tendon, he also underwent ankle surgery, causing him to miss a large part of the campaign. Then-manager Pep Guardiola emphasized in February how much he missed Kovačić, describing him as "a player of special quality and mentality who is not afraid of the biggest matches."
The Croatian midfielder returned to full fitness over the summer and completed pre-season with the team. He could now enter the new season as one of Maresca's first choices in midfield. City's first competitive match is scheduled for Sunday, August 16, against Arsenal in the Community Shield.
