Kovacic has a bright future, says Stramaccioni

Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni has praised promising youngster Mateo Kovacic and has little doubt he has a bright future.

The 18-year-old midfielder 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.