Mateo Kovacic is a Man Reborn

There was an instance near the end of Chelsea’s game against Watford where Mateo Kovacic seemed to almost roll down his socks as his side aimed to close out the match to pick up their seventh straight away victory. Whether it was a bit of over-confidence becoming sure of victory or as a result of fatigue, however strange it may have been, this is a man who is enjoying his football once again.

Against Watford, Mateo Kovacic followed up his world-class performance against Burnley serving up yet another masterclass as Chelsea triumphed 2-1 at Vicarage Road.

The Croatian is showing why Chelsea were right to make his loan move permanent in the summer.

Deemed surplus to requirements at Real Madrid, the Croatian has risen up from the rubble in Spain to become a vital cog in Frank Lampard’s flourishing Chelsea team. At the point of his move to Real Madrid, Kovacic was touted as one of the brightest young midfielders in world football after some scintilating performances at Inter Milan. Roberto Mancini, manager of the club at the time revealed that the Italian giants were forced to sell the Croatian because of Financial Fair Play regulations. Regardless, he was rewarded for his time in Italy with a dream move to Spain in 2015 for just €29 million.

With the expectation of being Luka Modric’s heir, it did not work out the way Kovacic would have wanted. Despite Real Madrid battling on all fronts in the Champions League and La Liga, Kovacic’s impact and involvement in the teams efforts were limited.

The emergence of Casemiro along with the brilliance of Toni Kroos and international team-mate Luka Modric meant Kovacic could only enjoy a bit-part role. When the Croatian did get the opportunities he needed under Rafael Benitez, he was deployed in a variety of positions; attacking midfield, a box-to-box player, wide right and wide left, his development wasn’t helped by Benitez’ indecision. He only scored his first La Liga goal in January 2017, two years into his spell in Madrid.

A move to Chelsea may have been the refreshment he needed. His is first season under in England Sarri brought similar issues. Underused and undervalued as Sarri stuck to his ways in trying to implement his ‘Sarri-Ball’ philosophy. As much as the fans hated the ideology, there was simply no room for Kovacic to grow. Had Sarri still been in charge now, Kovacic may well have returned back to Real Madrid.

Under Frank Lampard though, the Croatian dynamo has enjoyed a new lease of life. It certainly would have been a different story had N’Golo Kante been fit in recent weeks, Kovacic may well have been rotting on the bench once again. He has grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

While the performances against Burnley and Watford were the perfect highlight reels for Kovacic’s unique qualities. It was the away win in Amsterdam against Ajax in their Champions League group tie which was just as extraordinary. Chelsea denied Ajax the freedom to express themselves on the front foot, pressing and harrying forcing them to surrender possession in dangerous areas to counter, and much of that was down to Mateo Kovacic.

Jorginho was imperious in front of the back four, keeping things ticking over. Mason Mount pressed hard and never stopped running, but it was Mateo Kovacic who was simply brilliant with and without the ball. His 92.6% pass completion rate, losing the ball only six times illustrated his major involvement in Chelsea’s victory.

The Croatian was calm, collected and never seemed in any hurry to exert his influence in the middle. It was the complete midfield performance.

Without the ball, he is just as good. Kovacic attempted and completed three of his tackles against Watford and was successful in 100% of his aerial duels despite his short frame. It will be extremely difficult for Lampard to leave him out of the team once Kante returns from injury, and on recent evidence the French international may have to fight his way back into Lampard’s line up once he returns.

So what has changed for Kovacic?

Firstly, the Croatian has been given much more opportunities and he is repaying the faith placed in him. Secondly, his position is the same as under Sarri but he seems more himself in a system that requires his rampaging qualities on the ball. He, like many other players last season, was handcuffed by Sarri’s tepid system last season.

Frank Lampard has broken those shackles.

The Chelsea legend has freed up Kovacic a bit more, encouraging him to be more attack-minded whilst maintaining his defensive responsibilities. There is also a seamless and telepathic understanding with those around him too, especially Jorginho – both aware of each other’s whereabouts at all times. It’s because of the Croatian, Jorginho has rediscovered the kind of form that made him one of the most coveted midfielders in Europe two seasons ago at Napoli.

Mateo Kovacic has been a revelation so far this season. Proving the doubters and critics who were against his permanent signing in the summer wrong with some masterful performances. This is the player that Real Madrid were hoping for when they signed him back in 2015. However, their loss is Chelsea’s gain right now.

Mateo Kovacic is a man reborn.