Mateo Kovacic says his fellow countryman, Josko Gvardiol could "learn a lot" from John Stones.

In the latest episode of the official Manchester City podcast, Kovacic was quizzed about his thoughts on Gvardiol and whether he could operate as a natural centre-back considering he is currently playing at left-back.

Mateo Kovacic says Josko Gvardiol could "learn a lot" from John Stones John Stones, signed from Everton for PS47.5 million (Sky Sports) in 2016 is arguably the best central defender in the world.

Branded as "outstanding" by Clinton Morrisson, the 29-year-old was especially crucial for Pep Guardiola's side during their treble-winning season, playing a hybrid role between either centre-back or right-back and as a midfielder.

Now, Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic believes that Josko Gvardiol could elevate his game by studying how John Stones operates.

"When we play three at the back, he plays on the left side but he can play in the middle as well because he's technically good, so he can learn a lot from John, I think because John is amazing."

"How he moves in the middle and as being a centre-back, it's never easy to come to the midfield position, how he does it is...[brilliant]", Kovacic said on the official Manchester City podcast.

John Stones is the perfect role model for the Croatian defender Mateo Kovacic is bang on the money as Josko Gvardiol has the potential to become as well-rounded a defender as John Stones in the future.

Much like Stones, Gvardiol too is a technical phenom, blessed with an excellent passing range and the ability to carry the ball out of defence.

But where the 'Barnsley Beckenbauer' excels is on the ball in every phase of play while still being elite from a defensive perspective.

Josko Gvardiol still has to master these aspects of his game but training and playing alongside John Stones, he has the perfect role mode alongside him at Manchester City to emulate.