Izzy Christiansen has backed Mateo Kovacic to play a starring role in our pursuit of silverware after a fast start to life at City, describing the Croatian as a ‘microwave midfielder’.

The midfielder grabbed his first goal for Pep Guardiola’s men in our 3-0 FIFA Club World Cup semi-final triumph over Urawa Red Diamonds.

A summer recruit from fellow Premier League side Chelsea, Kovacic has slotted seamlessly into the City midfield, helping to fill the sizeable void left behind by Ilkay Gundogan.

Speaking on Matchday Live, Christiansen heaped praise on the Croatian’s swift transition to the Etihad Stadium, explaining that certain elements of his game mirror our former captain’s.

“I liked what I saw from Kovacic in the second half. If he can start turning the screw, then City will start rolling,” the former City and England midfielder said.

“I call him a ‘microwave midfielder’ because you heat him up for two minutes and he’s ready.

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“He’s 27 and City don’t have time to waste, so bringing Kovacic in with that Premier League experience [is important]. He’s a top player.

“His ball-carrying abilities replicate Gundogan, he’s still got a bit to go but also has space to learn. He’s ready to go, he just needs more games.”

Joleon Lescott and Shaun Wright-Phillips joined Christiansen in the Matchday Live studio as City progressed to Friday’s Club World Cup final.

Wright-Phillips also drew comparisons between Kovacic and Gundogan, particularly in the build-up to his first goal in sky blue.

The former City winger added: “He was in a position that Gundogan would [be in], that third man run where he’d run in behind.

“The finish was exquisite, he just took his time, breathed and side-foot roof of the net.

“It’d be nice for him to have that because he’s had a few half chances where he could’ve done better so he just made sure with this one.

“Hopefully there are lots more to come now.”

Our final at the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup is available to watch in the UK on TNT Sports and FIFA+.

For fans outside of the UK, click here to find out how you can watch the matches in Saudi Arabia.

The official Man City app will also have free live radio commentary as part of our usual Matchday Live show that includes studio guests previewing and analysing the action.