Jack Grealish sends three-word message to Mateo Kovacic after Man City’s 2-0 win against Chelsea

Mateo Kovacic could not have foreseen a better start to the season for Manchester City as he scored and starred in his side’s 2-0 win against his former club Chelsea.

Kovacic was deployed in a single pivot by Pep Guardiola for much of the game — handing him the responsibility of serving as the backup to the unavailable Rodri.

The Manchester City midfielder took to the role like a duck to the water — dominating duels, breaking the lines when given the ball in the middle of the park and often gliding past the opposition with his impeccable carrying of the ball.

As per Sofascore, the 30-year-old completed 65 of his 67 attempted passes against Chelsea — despite taking risks in possession —a figure Rodri would have been proud of.

Kovacic capped off his return to Stamford Bridge with a wonderfully-taken strike and despite scoring such a lovely goal, he decided to abstain from celebrating out of respect for his former employers.

Grealish hails Kovacic masterclass for Man City against Chelsea

All in all, the Croatian international put in as complete a display in midfield as one might see throughout the 2024/2025 Premier League season.

Since struggling in City’s 2-1 defeat to Wolves as a holding midfielder last season, it seems like he has gained a better understanding of how to play in a deeper role as evidenced by his showing against the Blues.

If Rodri remains on the bench against Ipswich Town on Saturday, it seems likely that the former Inter Milan technician will be tasked to play as a defensive midfielder yet again.

Jack Grealish lauded Kovacic as he commented on his post-match Instagram post to celebrate Manchester City beating Chelsea.

The £100 million man wrote: “What a player”, followed by a raised hands emoji.

Nice to see the understated Mateo Kovacic get the credit he deserves

Kovacic’s top-quality displays during his debut season as a City player often went under the radar.

Perhaps due to the ex-Real Madrid midfielder’s understated demeanor was a factor behind this being the case or as a result of being viewed as a successor to club legend Ilkay Gundogan by some.

Largely, Kovacic settled in excellently and especially during the title run-in, he was one of the Sky Blues’ most dependable players.

It seems like the decorated midfielder has added another feather to his cap by learning how to play as a number six.

Manchester City could well have dropped points had Kovacic not been able to fill Rodri’s shoes.

But the experienced campaigner certainly did and for him to be getting praised and that too from top players like Grealish is a refreshing sight.