Why Real Madrid should not let Mateo Kovacic leave this summer
By Ben Sundock
Real Madrid might have a problem on their hands this summer with midfielder Mateo Kovacic voicing his desire to leave the club. If the board is smart, they will not let this very talented midfielder go.
The Croatian international’s agent said on a radio station in Italy that he has told the club that his client wishes to leave this summer, according to multiple sources. Although Mateo is happy in Madrid, having won three Champions League titles since arriving in the summer of 2015, he wants to be a starter.
As is usually the case at Real Madrid, the club is too deep to allow for even the most talented players to start regularly. At nearly any other club in the world, Kova, Marco Asensio, and Lucas Vazquez would undoubtedly be starters.
However, when you have to compete with the likes of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Casemiro, it’s difficult. With that being said, I think Los Blancos should be tentative to sell the 24-year-old. As we saw throughout this past season, Mateo possesses incredible skills that are not coachable.
When he dribbles through and past defenders, the ball is tethered to his foot. Passing-wise, he can link the back four with the front line just like Luka.
As we have seen with Toni Kroos, accurate passing from the central midfielders makes a world of difference. Having a guy like Kovacic come off the bench in the second half and complete well over 90 percent of his passes is invaluable.
That being said, I can see why the up and comer wants to be a starter. In all honesty, he completely deserves to be with the way he plays consistently. Just like Kroos, Mateo isn’t a guy who is going to light up the scoresheet with goals or assists but he is that guy that does all the dirty work.
Looking at the rumors swirling around the European media outlets, it seems that Kova has said he wants to leave and has left the rest of the decision making up to his agent and the Real Madrid board. So, if Mateo’s agent can find a quality landing spot for him and President Florentino Perez feels the asking price is right, he will go.
Both Liverpool and Juventus would love to add the talented middy to their ranks.
I thought that this was Kova’s best season with the club based off of his incredible substitute appearances and clutch performances in the Champions League against some of the best club teams in the world.
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I would hate to see him go, as would many Madridstas I’m sure. His gritty attitude and fantastic defending are just a few of many reasons why he should stay in the Spanish capital. Plus, with the way he has been playing and Luka Modric starting to get up there in age, he could soon take over alongside Kroos.
Kova is under contract with Los Blancos until 2021. We will have to keep a close eye on the situation as we inch closer to the start of the competitive club season.