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Real Madrid midfielder linked with Roma amid Manchester United interest

By Benjamin Barkworth

VALENCIA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 03: Mateo Kovacic of Real Madrid sits on the bench before the La Liga match between Levante and Real Madrid at Ciutat de Valencia on February 3, 2018 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
VALENCIA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 03: Mateo Kovacic of Real Madrid sits on the bench before the La Liga match between Levante and Real Madrid at Ciutat de Valencia on February 3, 2018 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images) /
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Roma join Manchester United in the chase for Mateo Kovačić’s signature.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Mateo Kovačić is one of Monchi’s main targets. The Croatian midfielder has struggled to break into Real’s first-team because of the depth of talent that they have. To get consistent game time he would have to replace one of either Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos or Casemiro; this would be a hard task for most midfielders so its hard to judge him too harshly. He has shown brief glimpses of his talent over the last few seasons. There is also his impressive stint at Inter Milan to consider because that got him his move to Real in the first place.

The lack of game time means he isn’t developing, so he needs a move to get his career back on track. His raw talent means that he would get into the starting XI of most teams; it just depends on whether teams are willing to invest in a player with high potential rather than a finished product. The short-term nature of the big European leagues, especially the Premier League, means that clubs are increasingly unwilling to take these risks. However, Monchi has identified Kovačić as a potential bargain for Roma.

Roma will have intense competition if United are serious with their interest in him. The Red Devils can offer the only league on a similar quality level to La Liga as well as big wages and guaranteed Champions League football. Roma, on the other hand, can offer the comfort of a league he has played in before, but are currently out of the Champions League places by a point; therefore, they are at a bit of a disadvantage.

What does he bring to the team?

Kovačić offers versatility because of his ability to play in numerous positions. However, he thrives when in a box-to-box role because he has the dribbling ability to break opposition lines as well as the defensive ability and positional sense to stifle the opposition attacks. He is similar to Sergej Milinković-Savić in this sense because he can also effectively create chances as well which makes them rare all-round midfielders.

Being linked with Roma and United makes sense in regards to their midfield needs. José Mourinho needs a box-to-box midfielder to get an optimum balance in his midfield; this would bring the best out of Paul Pogba because he would be playing a three-man midfield so he would have the freedom to roam. Nemanja Matić wouldn’t be left isolated so it would give the team a strong spine.

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Monchi has focused on giving Eusebio Di Francesco a depth of options to choose from across the team. This allows them to compete in multiple competitions as well as helping them in the long-term. It reduces the dependence on key players so they are less affected by departures. Bringing in Kovačić would give them a direct replacement for Radja Nainggolan if he decides to leave. It would also give the team another talented midfielder with a rare skill set which is invaluable.

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