Mateo Kovacic #8

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“My game is to open space for others,” Kovacic once said, adding that it is “a big strength” for him. Often in Luka Modric’s shadow and not always fully appreciated for his contribution, Kovacic’s value is best noticed at times of his absence, so fans in Croatia are hopeful he’ll make a complete recovery from injury in time for the World Cup and be at his best once again. A devout Catholic, sometimes referred to as the “Altar Boy” - because, well, he used to be one and met his future wife while she was in the choir. He is a serial winner and he has collected four Champions League titles (three with Real Madrid, one with Chelsea) despite only playing in one final, and that was for 10 minutes.

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