Micah Richards: I really love this 29-year-old who Chelsea sold this summer
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Micah Richards, speaking on ‘The Rest is Football’ podcast, has expressed his admiration for Mateo Kovacic since the Croatian midfielder’s move from Chelsea to Manchester City during the summer transfer window. Richards acknowledged Kovacic’s strong performances but also noted a recent struggle in a match against Wolves.
Kovacic had refrained from committing his future to Chelsea towards the end of the previous season, aligning with Chelsea’s plans for a midfield overhaul in the summer. The departure of key midfielders like Jorginho and N’Golo Kante set the stage for a restructuring of the midfield setup.
Manchester City seized the opportunity to acquire Kovacic during the summer transfer window, and many anticipated a successful tenure for the Croatian international under the guidance of Pep Guardiola.
Richards commended Kovacic’s overall performance since joining Manchester City, although he highlighted a challenging display in a recent match against Wolves. In that particular game, Rodri’s absence was felt keenly, impacting the team’s ability to control the game’s tempo and providing a robust midfield shield. Kovacic, known for his dribbling prowess, faced difficulty in this encounter, often getting caught in possession when calmness and composure were needed in midfield.
On the other hand, at Stamford Bridge, Mauricio Pochettino is keen on having Moises Caicedo fit and ready to pair up with Enzo Fernandez in the central midfield. Additionally, Pochettino is anticipating the return of Romeo Lavia from injury, eager to integrate him into the Chelsea squad after his summer arrival, as Lavia is yet to make his debut for the Blues.
