There's no doubting Kovacic's talent, says Stramaccioni

Mar 18, 2013 12:35:00 PM

The young coach has tipped the 18-year-old for stardom, but has stressed that he will take things one step at a time with the midfielder

Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni is full of praise for promising youngster Mateo Kovacic and has little doubt that the midfielder has a bright future ahead of him.

The 18-year-old joined the Nerazzurri from Dinamo Zagreb in the winter transfer window, and Stramaccioni is more than pleased with what the Croatia Under-21 star has shown so far.

"I have great belief in the lad, I really wanted him here and his talent is there for all to see," Stramaccioni said at a press conference.

"Mateo does need to be managed carefully, however. He's 18 years old and he had cramp at one point of the game [against Tottenham] on Thursday.

"He played something like 70 or 75 balls and only got five or six wrong – that's incredible. He's a player to be managed carefully for the moment and a certain star for the future."

Kovacic has made seven official appearances for Inter so far, but has yet to find the net for the first time.

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