MY ACCOUNT
If the early weeks are anything to go by, Mateo Kovacic looks primed to play a key role in Graham Potter’s Chelsea revolution.
The Croatian midfielder has featured in 10 of his new manager’s opening 11 matches in all competitions, adding his typically steely presence to the Blues engine room each time.
Ahead of a tasty London derby with league leaders Arsenal, we put Kovacic’s form and future under the microscope.
Steady presence
Since arriving from Real Madrid in the summer of 2018, Kovacic has managed to hold down a regular starting spot under all three of his previous bosses in West London
Maurizio Sarri, Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel each made full use of his talents, with the 29-year-old notching up over 40 appearances in his last four campaigns.
Having bedded himself in during Sarri’s turbulent term at the helm, Kovacic was then voted Chelsea’s player of the season by supporters in 2019-20 during Lampard’s reign.
However, it was under Tuchel’s tutelage that he unquestionably played his best football to date in a blue shirt.
Most regularly found in a double-pivot next to Jorginho or N’Golo Kante, the 83-cap international’s impressive skill set was frequently seen to best effect.
Well rounded
Kovacic may not possess the flair or dynamism of more decorated stars in his position — but what he does have is the ability to contribute in several areas.
For example, a fine passing range saw him rank inside the Premier League’s top 10 central midfielders last season for stats such as through balls, final-third passes and completed passes per 90 minutes.
And despite not often being discussed among the division’s leading creative lights, Paul Pogba and Kevin De Bruyne were the only peers to better his tally of five assists in 2021-22.
The former Los Blancos star is no pushover at the other end of the pitch, either.
His 2.95 tackles per 90 minutes last term was the 15th highest among those in his position, while no central midfielder lost less aerial duels.
Perfect fit
Those impressive statistics are unlikely to waver too much during Potter’s reign, either.
The ex-Brighton boss favours a high-possession approach which puts an emphasis on his midfielders to operate in tight spaces and play inventive passes — things Kovacic thrives on.
Speaking last week about his No8, Potter said: “Kovacic’s involvements have always been impressive whether it’s from the start or off the bench.
“He’s a fantastic person, great to have in the group and everyone knows his quality.
“He can take the ball, eliminate people in one-vs-one situations and it’s obviously really nice for him to get score as well.
“Everyone was delighted for him and here’s hoping he continues to contribute to great team performances.”
Universally loved
As if that praise from his manager was not enough, the Croatian is also revered by his team-mates.
Fellow midfield lynchpin Jorginho said of Kovacic’s performance in Salzburg last month: “I’m very happy for him.
“He’s an amazing player. He played so well tonight. What an amazing goal. He helped us as he always does.”
With just 18 months left to run on his current deal, Chelsea will be keen to ensure new terms are agreed swiftly, especially with the World Cup set to put his talents on global display.
Reports suggest they are looking to table a lucrative new contract as a top priority after Qatar — and it is not hard to see why.
