Mateo Kovacic's Real Madrid admission highlights Pep Guardiola's next Man City challenge

Last week Mateo Kovacic became Manchester City's first signing since securing the Treble as Pep Guardiola plots success in the upcoming campaign.

The old adage of buying when you are strong has been followed at the Etihad Stadium. City have agreed a deal worth a total of £30m with Chelsea for the experienced Croatian midfielder.

City have lost inspirational skipper Ilkay Gundogan after the Germany international's contract expired, though he went out in the best way possible with a Champions League winner's medal around his neck. He has headed to Spanish giants Barcelona.

City wasted little time when it came to signing a replacement for Gundogan. Kovacic slots into the central midfield hole that their previous captain left.

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The 29-year-old is a seasoned winner. He has won the Champions League on four different occasions with Real Madrid and Chelsea, and has a host of other honours from his time in the capital cities of Spain and England.

Kovacic has spoken in the past about where he feels his best position is and believes being in a midfield duo suits him. He can also play in a trio, but feels more comfortable with just one other midfielder alongside him in the engine room.

However, the Croatia international has highlighted something which could prove to be an issue when the season gets begins. It stems from his time at Real Madrid, which saw him come in and out of the Los Blancos side.

Guardiola is renowned for his desire to make changes to his team throughout the course of the season, as well as playing certain players in unfamiliar roles. John Stones operating as a holding midfielder would be a prime example of this.

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