The light has been shining on Mateo Kovačić, the 22-year-old Croatian midfielder who has had to fill the shoes of Luka Modrić at Real Madrid since he has been recovering from an injury. With Luka back on the pitch now, there is still hope for Kovačić to remain in the spotlight...
Vecernji List and Index.hr report that Real Madrid announced today that Toni Kroos broke the fifth metatarsal bone of his right foot in Saturday's league match against Leganes, with at least two and likely three months off the pitch. While Kroos will be missing a number of key games for Real Madrid such as the derby against Atletico, El Clasico, and the duel with Borussia Dortmund, Croatian Mateo Kovačić will likely be the one to fill his shoes (the other contender for the position is Casemiro, who is still out with an injury).
Mateo is at a great advantage now after the recent 40-day break taken by Modrić. During this time, Kovačić played six consecutive games in the starting 11, and in those six games he scored his season's debut to draw Real Madrid in the Champions League match at home against Legion (3: 3).
Luka Modrić is now fully operating and it is expected that in the coming weeks and even months that Real's attacks will be built by two Croatian’s: Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić - which is a great recognition for Croatian football.
Although Kovačić had a very difficult time last season, this season he has built the confidence of coach Zinedine Zidane, already playing 882 minutes in 13 games.
