Amid Sheffield United vs. Manchester City, Mateo Kovacic left fans astounded on social media with an extraordinary display.
Having moved from Chelsea to Man City for £25 million earlier in the summer, Kovacic has already made a significant impression on his new team.
He has been included in the starting lineup for his team’s previous two matches, notably excelling in midfield against Newcastle United and delivering a remarkable performance at Bramall Lane last Sunday.
The Blues secured a 2-1 victory over Sheff United, and Mateo Kovacic’s moment of brilliance in the 19th minute of the Premier League match quickly went viral on X.
In a noteworthy sequence, Rodri passed the ball to Kovacic, who skillfully took a few touches before embarking on a dynamic run at Sheff United’s defense.
Navigating past a challenge, he maintained his momentum and earned a foul just outside the box.
Kovacic’s impressive run against Sheff United ignited a social media frenzy.
They actually gave this guy to Pep Guardiola for £25m pic.twitter.com/dU57TQs10u
— eŵân (@ewan10i) August 28, 2023
One X user wrote: “He looks like he’s been in this city team for years. It’s scary.”
A second added: “That’s what I was saying. Another 8 who can break the lines so fast.”
A third commented: “Chelsea literally sold their best midfielder.”
A fourth said: “Him and Rodri look smoother than Rodri and Gundo ever looked together.”
A Manchester United fan bemoaned: “He’s exactly what we need at United.”
Kovacic enjoyed five seasons at Stamford Bridge after initially impressing on loan from Real Madrid.
He made 221 appearances for the club, notably winning the Champions League in the 2020/21 season.
The 29-year-old is already making an influence under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, with assistant manager Juanma Lillo talking up the player’s adaptation.
“I can’t really talk about a player in isolation. Nevertheless, I don’t think we were going to be surprised that players from the Balkans have no difficulties adapting,” he said before their game against Sheff United.
“They [tend to] adapt rather quickly.
“Mateo is a very singular player which helps him and on the personal side of things he’s very adaptable.
“It also happened at Real Madrid, where he was happy, so I hear from my contacts. Everyone spoke very highly of him.”