Spain’s World Cup-winning midfielder Rodri is expected to miss the start of the season after undergoing back surgery.
Kovacic played 45 minutes on Saturday and could step in, with Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez and new club-record arrival Elliot Anderson also competing for a place in midfield.
“I’ve played together with Rodri and without him as well,” said Kovacic. “So with him not being here now I can of course fill that spot, but let’s see when he comes back.”
Anderson has not yet linked up with his new teammates, having been given extra time off after England’s run to the World Cup semi-finals.
The 23-year-old joined City for £116m from Nottingham Forest, where he emerged as a standout performer and featured in all 38 Premier League matches last season.
Asked what Anderson will bring to the side, Kovacic said: “I think a lot of quality, a lot of physicality because he has shown that he is capable of running a lot, being good on the ball, being good off the ball.
“He is young, so he can improve a lot still at City, and I think it’s a great signing for us.”
Recent seasons have seen Premier League clubs spend heavily on central midfielders—Chelsea signed Moises Caicedo for £115m and Enzo Fernandez for £106m, while Arsenal paid £100m for Declan Rice.
“I think it is the best league and the best players are here,” added Kovacic. “There are some amazing midfielders. Newcastle’s Bruno [Guimaraes], Aston Villa have many good midfielders.
“[Manchester] United are now bringing midfielders. So I think every club has some great midfielders.”