Mateo Kovacic deserves more playing time. He believes so and so do we all. Despite his young age, Kovacic is a hot property as we speak.
He started just 10 out of a possible 38 matches during the 2017-2018 La Liga campaign, and he has now demanded more game time. It shouldn’t be a surprise considering how gifted of a footballer he is. The Croatian was a fan favourite during his time at Inter Milan where he spent two seasons. 80 appearances and 5 goals later, he signed for Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Surrounded by midfield stars, Kovacic found his playing time limited as his time at Real progressed. Zinedine Zidane failed to incorporate him into his team and Kovacic found himself playing bit part roles rather than being a regular starter in Los Blancos’ first-team. How can one blame Zidane though? With the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro already in Madrid’s ranks, breaking into the starting 11 was always going to be a challenge for Kovacic.
That did not derail him as he stuck with the Spanish Giants and bagged himself a host of major domestic and European honours during his time at the Santiago Bernabéu.
West Ham United have now emerged as a surprise candidate to snatch up the Croatian sensation. Kovacic would walk right into the Hammers’ starting 11 with his eyes closed, and would be an obvious upgrade on any of their current midfield generals.
Kovacic is technically gifted and quick on his feet. He has the ability to slow down the tempo of play when his team is under pressure. Similarly, he has the ability to speed up play and make bursting forward runs to support an attack which he starts. He is good with both feet and his ability to pick out a teammate in tight positions is a pleasure to watch. The Croatian international has a hammer of a right foot and is not afraid to shoot from distance.
The 24-year-old would strengthen any team he signs for and West Ham United would do well to acquire his services. A player of his calibre and acquired taste for seasonal silverware would galvanize and push West Ham to perform on all fronts and challenge on a weekly basis.
Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are all said to be keen on acquiring the services of the Croatian international. West Ham must step up their efforts to pursue him, or risk losing out on his signature.
If West Ham United do manage to silence their critics with the signing of Mateo Kovacic, he would definitely be a breath of fresh air for the East London club as they look to improve in the English Premier League.
