Wishlist Mateo Kovacic

[Oscar 441]

I don't know how Real Madrid line up so I can't comment too much. I bet he will be played as a central midfielder and not more forward like James and Isco. So we could be seeing a Modric - Kovacic midfield duo. Both are quite tenacious (but small) so they could dominate some of the less physical midfields.

Madrid lined up usually like

ronaldo-benz-bale

James-modric

Kroos

Isco backed up james and modric. So, I guess Kovaic would take the kroos role. However, Lucas Silva is there and Casimero. Illamerndi is probably done at Madrid.

[OneMoSalah 8,883]

Unless of course he is given the starting birth which he might. Kovacic from what I've heard from Inter fans; is primarily a CM, much like Rakitic. So he will be competing with Modric, Kroos, Silva, Casemiro, and Illaramendi. Three (?) spots for six players. I'd wager he is ahead of Silva and Casemiro.

I could be wrong but I think Kovacic could be someone they have in mind for when Modric starts to decline, I know he's hardly 38 but long term it would work. Don't know if his game is too indifferent or not but I've not seen as much of Kovacic under Mancini.

Someone will have to go at Madrid though, Kroos, Modric and James will be the starting players in that midfield. The fact they have used Bale as a 10 in a few pre-season games too is interesting but still yeah Kroos, Modric and James will probably be their first choice then they could have Casemiro, Kovavic and Isco as back ups. Lucas Silva and Illarramendi have very much been outcasts at Madrid since going there.

[chrismada9 1,948]

Real Madrid have agreed to sign Kovacic from Inter Milan for €32m .. Jesus Christ!

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/aug/16/real-madrid-internazionale-mateo-kovacic

[iseah100 5,612]

Top signing for them.

[Pacquiao 1,834]

strange signing once again from RM, signing a player who isnt as good as what they already have.

[Oscar 441]

Really strange signing unless Rafa as a plan for him....

Not strong enough to play in the pivot and not good enough to start at am at madrid. Maybe modric is declining

[LondonsFinest 692]

Can tell most of you haven't watched him regularly. Same as the Douglas Costa scenario.

[lionsden 4,689]

I don't neccesarily agree with the opinion that it's a strange signing. It actually makes sense in a way.

Mateo is a central midfielder who will be coming in to replace or provide cover for Modric, will be 30 in september and injury prone these days, Kroos who hasn't exactly set the world alight at Real and his slow as feck, Illaremendi, the flop and Lucas silva who is unknown quantity at this point. he will add injection of pace and penetration to their central midfield, similar to the role Di maria played in his last season there.

The question is whether He will be trusted enough to be given decent playing time or if he can fulfill his potential. But as a signing, you can see what Madrid are trying to do here which is also highlighted in their focus towards signings much younger players like they have been doing for the past couple of seasons.

[supporter 3,088]

It's official. http://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2015/08/official-announcement-mateo-kova%C4%8Di%C4%87

Another great young player who will be burned by Real Madrid. Kovacic is not a top player, but he could become so. Although from the bench is quite complicated.

Illarramendi was a great young player, but now he must have forgotten how to play football. O Isco waiting every day a new chance as if he were a beginner. Or Varane watching how Pepe and Ramos are before him because of their seniority.

The BBC (Benzema and Christian Bale) is untouchable, and Kroos and Modric are also unquestionable in midfield.

Kovacic comes to Real Madrid to give rest for Modric because he had many injuries last season. But Real Madrid is expert in burning the young players.

By the way, I'm jealous seeing their midfield ...

[Pizy 18,858]

We really should be using Mourinho's ongoing great relationship with Real Madrid's president every summer to take their cast offs.

They either sell or bench top class players every year due to their lust for new toys.

[Melanicus 5,208]

Great. Get Isco now!

[Blue-in-me-Veins 4,067]

Fucking love this kid,one of my favorite young prospects. Sad for Inter but also happy he went to RM. Was hoping Inter would be able to keep Kovacic and put a worthy challenge for the Scudetto, but FFP came calling.

Really hope Rafa gives him adequate minutes, Kovacic/Modric/Isco/Kroos is such a killer Midfield.

[the wes 7,212]

with kovacic going to real maybe it will open the door for Chelsea getting isco or modric

[Viper22 2,418]

RIP Kovacic's promising career. Going the same way as Illarramendi (the Scott Sinclair route).

The only chance he has of playing time is if Isco and/or one of the first teamers leave. And if this is because Isco is leaving then someone drive him to the goddamn Bridge!!!

[iseah100 5,612]

Man, i wanted inter to compete in the serie a. Oh well.