Three reasons why Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic should consider Man United switch

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  • Mateo Kovacic

    Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic in the summer.

    Since joining the La Liga outfit in 2015, the Croatian has struggled for minutes on the pitch and is said to be keen for a move away from the Bernabeu to rectify that.

    Jose Mourinho is understood to be an admirer of the midfielder who is intrigued by the prospect of playing in the Premier League.

    Here, we look at three reasons why he should indeed consider making the switch.

    TIME FOR HIM TO SHINE

    Kovacic was just 16 when he made his professional debut for Dinamo Zagreb and only 20 when he left Inter Milan for Madrid as one of the most promising midfielders in Europe.

    However, his development has stunted since with the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Isco ahead of him in the pecking order at the Bernabeu. With the national team as well, the duo of Modric and Ivan Rakitic has confined him to the bench.

    At 23, the Croatian has spent enough time in the shadow of his team-mates. He needs to step into the spotlight and Old Trafford is one of the grander stages to do just that. Make it with the Reds and he’ll immediately be propelled to the upper echelons of midfielders in Europe.

    Ivan Rakitic (L), Luka Modric (C) and Toni Kroos (R)

    Ivan Rakitic (L), Luka Modric (C) and Toni Kroos (R)

    FITS INTO THE SYSTEM

    Paul Pogba has always played his best football in a midfield three with a single pivot but in the absence of another central midfielder Mourinho is happy with, the Frenchman has had to play alongside Nemanja Matic behind an attacking midfielder.

    Kovacic’s arrival could bring a new dimension to the team though. Played alongside Pogba ahead of Matic, the Croatian would enjoy the freedom to exploit the space in behind the striker.

    Despite Jesse Lingard’s recent upturn in form, Mourinho hasn’t settled on a No10 all season with the likes of the Englishman, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Juan Mata, Pogba and most recently Alexis Sanchez occupying that position.

    It would make sense to remove that dilemma altogether by switching the system and perhaps even bringing a more fluid style in the process.

    Kovacic could partner Pogba

    Kovacic could partner Pogba

    PLAYING STYLE

    Kovacic has excellent vision is always alert to the opportunity for a throughball. His weight off passes are virtually flawless as well but he isn’t a midfield orchestrator in the mould of Kroos or Michael Carrick.

    What he does excel at though is carrying the ball forward from midfield. His pace and driving runs create openings right through the heart of the opposition and United certainly need more of that.

    His high-energy style suits the Premier League as well and the fact that he is excellent at receiving, turning and holding on to the ball should help him cope with the intensity of England’s top flight.

    He’s not particularly gifted in the air but surely United are covered on that front.

    Mateo Kovacic made for the Premier League?

    Mateo Kovacic made for the Premier League?

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