At times watching Kovačić over the past 10+ years, I've admittedly questioned my sanity - no sane person should react as viscerally towards a footballer. Then again, no player represents the mindfuck of dysfunction in possession so clearly, let alone for my beloved Croatia.
Even in a 20 second clip, fundamental flaws that make Kovačić so debilitative in possession are apparent - combination of unsure first touch and rigid dribbling style in riskier spaces, before considering distribution on the run, fueling need to play as safely as possible. An infuriating footballer.
And for a team like Manchester City, generally poor reaction after losing possession and in defensive transition overall is susceptible to exposure, notwithstanding ability for opposition to quickly spring in those moments, because his safe initial positioning keeps teams in front of the ball OOP.
While Manchester City's midfield is largely overcooked wrt age profile - KdB's skillset lowkey aging like milk after losing half a step, just like his closest comp in Gerrard, a particular sticking point - they have consistently eaten big chances in defensive transition as a result of Kovačić.
It all means what we saw from Manchester City in 1H vs Real Madrid becomes a necessity for Guardiola, despite Lewis/Akanji sub - keeping distances super short to essentially bog down the game with anaemic and narrow possession, in an attempt to at least minimise the threat of defensive transition.
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