Mateo Kovacic has used just one word to describe Kevin De Bruyne.
Previously, Kovacic has always had kind things to say about De Bruyne.
In February, the Croatian international claimed that a player of the Belgian midfielder’s quality deserved to have won a Ballon d’Or.
Mateo Kovacic also revealed in November that Kevin De Bruyne is one of the two best players he has ever played against alongside Lionel Messi.
The former Chelsea technician has also claimed that alongside Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne is the kind of player who steps up when it matters most.
Mateo Kovacic uses one word to describe Kevin De Bruyne
Evidently, Mateo Kovacic has huge respect for the five-time Premier League winner.
The 29-year-old has played with some of the greatest midfielders to have ever graced the beautiful game.
Names like Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, N’Golo Kante and Casemiro instantly spring to mind.
Yet, Mateo Kovacic speaks about Kevin De Bruyne in glowing terms.
Having faced the treble-winner on several occasions, the four-time Champions League winner perhaps rates him more than most due to how challenging an experience it was.
In addition, Kovacic has now had the chance to watch him up close in training and share the pitch with him.
The City maestro is one of the best candidates to discuss all things De Bruyne.
In an interview with beIN SPORTS Asia, Mateo Kovacic was asked to describe Kevin De Bruyne using just one word.
“Genius”, he replied straightaway.
Kovacic should study the Manchester City midfielder’s passing
It goes without saying that Mateo Kovacic and Kevin De Bruyne are vastly different players.
Kovacic is more of a controller while his Sky Blues teammate is a specialist in the final third.
However, the decorated midfielder could take his game to another level if he studies the former VFL Wolfsburg phenom’s playing style and tries to emulate one element from it; his final ball.
To Kovacic’s credit, he does try to find runners in behind the opposition defence with a risky pass.
But Mateo Kovacic’s execution, unlike Kevin De Bruyne’s, is often wayward, as his passes are either under-hit or just inaccurate.
If Kovacic can add this tool to his game, he might be regarded as one of the most complete midfielders in world football, let alone just the Premier League.