Mateo Kovacic's World Cup display for Croatia has given Enzo Maresca something to think about.
The midfielder's future at City has been uncertain after an injury-hit 2025-26 campaign that limited his involvement. When fit, he was often behind Nico Gonzalez in the pecking order as Rodri's understudy, and the lack of minutes has attracted interest from Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
Questions have lingered over whether Kovacic can still operate at the highest level. Croatia's World Cup exit at the hands of Portugal on 3 July might have been the last chance for the 32-year-old to prove a point — and he took it.
Playing alongside Luka Modric in midfield is never straightforward, but Kovacic more than held his own. His numbers from that game tell the story: 94 per cent pass completion, three shots on target (two from long range), a 100 per cent dribble success rate, three passes into the final third, one tackle, three recoveries and five ground duels contested. He even won a foul. Many inside the stadium thought he had sent Croatia through when one of his efforts was tipped onto the post. It wasn't to be.
Kovacic's contract expires next summer, meaning he has a full season to prove himself to the new manager. Multiple high-profile clubs are said to be monitoring the situation, but he remains a City player for now.
Mick Brown told Football Insider last month that Kovacic is likely to be one of the next out of the door, but City cannot afford to keep losing so much experience in one transfer window. Maresca will need to weigh that up.