The 20-year-old is often mentioned at Santiago Bernabeu and is destined for a greater stage than that which the Nerazzurri can provide, according to his compatriot
Luka Modric believes Mateo Kovacic will play for a bigger club than Inter, revealing that his colleagues at Real Madrid frequently ask about his fellow Croat.
The pair were both part of the Croatia side that went to the World Cup in June and suffered elimination at the group stage, and the 29-year-old feels his international team-mate has a bright future ahead of him.
Having been voted as Croatian football of the year in a poll run by newspaper Vecernji list for the fourth time, the Blancos star revealed he is frequently asked about the Nerazzurri midfielder, who he is sure will soon move on to a bigger stage.
“People in Real ask me about Mateo Kovacic all the time,” Modric said in an interview with Vecernji list.
“He is a phenomenal talent and will play in some of the biggest clubs. Inter is a big club, no doubt, but Kovacic will play in even bigger.”
The Madrid star stated that 2014 has been the favourite year in his career, but his opinion was that Ivan Rakitic had been more influential in the same timespan.
“This was the best year in my career, although among the four Player of the Year awards (2007, 2008, 2011 and 2014) my favourite was first one, won as Dinamo player,” Modric added.
“I would say the best Croatian player in 2014 was Ivan Rakitic, leading Sevilla to Europa League glory and earning a big transfer to Barcelona.”
The 29-year-old does not feel the Blaugrana give his team their most difficult game, though, instead suggesting that travelling to face city rivals Atletico Madrid provides them with the greatest challenge.
“The toughest away match in La Liga for me used to be the one against Osasuna,” Modric said.
“And now it is versus Atletico, with the heated atmosphere at Vicente Calderon stadium and an opponent that doesn’t suit us with their style of play. And playing at Camp Nou is a magnificent experience.”