Manchester United star Casemiro has shared his admiration for one former Chelsea midfielder.
The Blues have some top midfielders now, including Enzo Fernandez, who scored again over the weekend, and Moises Caicedo.
However, it is a midfielder who no longer plays at Stamford Bridge who has been the subject of praise from Casemiro.
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Casemiro hails Mateo Kovacic as ‘unbelievable player’
In 2023, Chelsea sold Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City for an initial £25m fee. He does not always start for Pep Guardiola’s side, but he remains a player Casemiro really appreciates.
Speaking about Kovacic on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Casemiro said: “An amazing, amazing, amazing player, Mateo Kovacic. He won the Champions League in Chelsea. He played City. It’s unbelievable. Unbelievable player.
“But sometimes he doesn’t play. He doesn’t play. He plays, and I respect your opinion, but sometimes he doesn’t play. And I need to play. I need to play. No, I need to play. Stronger. Sometimes you don’t play. You don’t play. But stay calm. Stay relaxed. Because it’s a top player. I don’t tell you. He has the talent. Yeah. It’s top. Mateo Kovacic is top. Top, top player.
“But for me, this guy is an unbelievable player. And he talked after the games saying, I need to play. He goes to Chelsea, he won the Champions League. He plays every game. He comes in Manchester City. He played very well in Manchester City. I have big respect for him.”
Casemiro of Manchester United battles for possession with Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea
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Casemiro is fully aware of Kovacic’s quality after playing alongside the Croatian at Real Madrid before his move to Chelsea in 2018.
Kovacic joined the Blues on an initial season-long loan before signing for them permanently a year later. He won the Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup during his time in west London.
Luka Modric was gutted when Kovacic left for Chelsea, enjoying a good relationship with him at Real Madrid and in the Croatia national team set-up.
Chelsea miss Mateo Kovacic
In the end, Chelsea probably had no choice but to sell Kovacic to City. His contract was running down and he clearly wanted a new challenge.
However, it is quite obvious that Chelsea’s squad and midfield are missing having a player like the 32-year-old.
Kovacic did not score too many goals in a blue shirt, but he was an experienced midfielder who made the right decisions in the middle of the park.
The Croatia international could get up and down the pitch easily and had no trouble getting out of the opposition’s press.
All in all, Kovacic has ability, experience and a winning mentality after getting his hands on all the major honours in club football. He is the sort of individual Chelsea need in their dressing room right now.
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