No Rodri, no problem – why Kovacic was the ‘epitome of experience’ for Man City v Chelsea

Kovacic had Bernardo Silva and Kevin de Bruyne around him against Chelsea, and of course that would help anyone because they are two such magnificent footballers.

But he was being asked to play deeper and be more disciplined than usual and the way he did it was key for me, especially being a former midfielder myself.

I know how difficult it is sometimes to change your role a little bit, because if you are attack-minded you have to think a lot more about what you are doing during the game.

Your instinct is always to go on a little run or get yourself forward. Ironically, that is what Kovacic did for his goal – but maybe the space was just there and he thought ‘go for it’.

Overall, though, he adjusted really well and I would not be surprised if we see him there again the next time Rodri is not available.

If City decide they want to go out and sign out an understudy for Rodri instead, then for starters he has got to be better than Kovacic. Otherwise, what’s the point?

Then, you are doing well to find someone who is better than Kovacic and is also going to be happy to sit on the bench and wait for Rodri to miss the odd game in 30, because he seems to get injured so rarely.

So, unless they find a super young talent somewhere – and they have a few players like that already – I am not sure I see City signing a holding midfielder before the transfer window closes on 30 August.

They have already got Rico Lewis, for example, who filled in for Kyle Walker on Sunday and is an outstanding talent.

Lewis looked very comfortable whenever he came into midfield against Chelsea and is good enough on the ball to play that holding role.

He is tenacious and although he has not got the physical presence of Rodri, that will not matter against most of the teams City face, when they will dominate possession.

So, I think it is more likely they bring in a younger player who can maybe fill in for Haaland instead, a bit like when they found Julian Alvarez. They unearthed a diamond there, and then sold him for more than £80m.