Mateo Kovacic admits to watching Paul Scholes to improve his game

Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic has admitted to watching videos of former Manchester United star Paul Scholes to help him improve his game.

The Croatian moved to Stamford Bridge this summer on a season-long loan deal from Real Madrid and has formed an impressive trio with N’Golo Kante and fellow new boy Jorginho.

Kovacic found his playing time at the Bernabeu limited after arriving from Inter Milan in 2015 but has played a crucial role for Maurizio Sarri so far.

Kovacic describes Scholes as ‘one of the best ever’ and says he watches him on YouTube

It seems his love for English football existed long before arriving in London and he has now admitted to watching footage of Scholes.

‘Every player has to be himself— but for me Scholes was one of the best ever,’ the Croatian told The Sun.

‘He was amazing. I still enjoy watching his videos on YouTube. Sometimes I go home and watch him to learn something new.

‘He had everything, he was the modern midfielder — scoring goals, defending well, tackling. I don’t copy anybody but I do like to watch Scholes. I also watch other players to see what I can do better.

‘Players like Luka Modric and Andres Iniesta, too.’

Scholes enjoyed a trophy-laden career at United that saw him win 11 Premier League titles

Kovacic has formed an impressive trio with N’Golo Kante and fellow new boy Jorginho

Scholes enjoyed a trophy-laden career that spanned 20 years at United with only Ryan Giggs and Sir Bobby Charlton having represented the club more times. 

He amassed 11 Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two Champions Leagues and two League Cups during his United days.

The former England international also managed to score 155 goals in 718 appearances for the Red Devils and that is an area of Kovacic’s game he wants to improve.

The 24-year-old added: ‘That is the problem in my career, I have not scored enough — and it’s something I need to improve on.’