Jermain Defoe believes that £30 million Manchester City player has significantly improved under Pep Guardiola.

Former England striker Jermain Defoe believes Mateo Kovacic fully emerged as a world-class midfielder under Pep Guardiola. Transferred from Chelsea last summer to Manchester City in a £30 million worth deal, the Croatian has already made a telling contribution at Etihad Stadium.

Indeed, Jermain Defoe picked out the Croatian’s display in City’s 2-0 opening day win over Chelsea where he scored very importantly.

Speaking on The Weekend Wrap, Defoe went on to praise the Croatian’s development: “Kovacic was already a top player, but he has reached a new level under Guardiola. He was definitely at that level before, but now under him he’s in a different dimension; a lot of credit to the manager for getting the best out of his players.”

Ex-Tottenham Hotspur striker claims that Kovacic could turn out to become an influential figure for City this season. He has already settled really well at the club and has already formed a great partnership with his teammates. Dictates the game very well, provides chances, and chips in with some goals as such, he is an important player for the Guardiola side.

Infact, Kovacic himself had not shied away from speaking quite fondly about the influence Guardiola had on his career. He credited the Croat with helping him improve his all-round game. With players like Kovacic in their ranks, one can be sure of the fact that Manchester City this season will not fall behind enough to lose out on the Premier League.

In light of this, Kovacic’s further growth and development under Guardiola becomes quite critical in defending the Citizens.