"Joško is something else," Kovacic gushed on City's official podcast. "I don't want to go overboard, but his talent is extraordinary. He can do it all."

"In Croatia, we've always had top-notch midfielders and defenders, but Josko is a cut above. He's got the skills to play anywhere, and he's right-footed and left-footed too. Plus, he's Croatian, which is a bonus for us."

"If he keeps his head in the game and stays focused, he's going to be a force for years to come. It's not easy to join a team that's won the Treble, but he's handled it like a pro."

"At 21, he's had to prove himself, and he's done it in spades. He's been incredible, and he's shown he can handle the pressure."