Mateo Kovacic

[Tomo 21,733]

Biggest compliment i can pay him is we haven't missed Kante.

[Ryan Fong 2,776]

Biggest compliment i can pay him is we haven't missed Kante.

Tell me about it. It’s almost a crime to not miss Kante but the truth is I really don’t. This combo we have right now just clicks, a joy to watch.

[Jase 43,479]

21 minutes ago, Tomo said:

Biggest compliment i can pay him is we haven't missed Kante.

We need Kante back next week because Jorginho is suspended!  

[Tomo 21,733]

4 minutes ago, Jason said:

We need Kante back next week because Jorginho is suspended!  

That's a huge blow because i actually think Jorginho's the one player in the squad we can't afford to lose.

[OneMoSalah 8,785]

5 minutes ago, Tomo said:

That's a huge blow because i actually think Jorginho's the one player in the squad we can't afford to lose.

If Kante comes back I think we will manage. Kovacic maybe have to take the mantle a bit and not burst forward as much and dictate the game like Jorginho does. I dont think he cant do it in all fairness, he has got a good passing range and understanding so he should be able to continue on his performances and maybe just be a bit more conservative with his role next week, allowing Kante to be a bit more free to get between the boxes.

[Stats 7,059]

Was sensational today. Controlled that game. His close-ball control and ability to maneuver out of tight spaces is amazing.

[Jase 43,479]

4 minutes ago, Stats said:

Was sensational today. Controlled that game. His close-ball control and ability to maneuver out of tight spaces is amazing.

Kovacic is the midfield version of Hazard but just without the goals and assists.

[Jase 43,479]

Some love from Lampard...

[kellzfresh 7,229]

Mateo Kovačić vs Watford: 134 passes (95%) 7/7 duels won, 4/4 successful dribbles, 3 tackles

MOTM

[Jase 43,479]

6 minutes ago, kellzfresh said:

Mateo Kovačić vs Watford: 134 passes (95%) 7/7 duels won, 4/4 successful dribbles, 3 tackles

 

[the wes 7,212]

“Kovačić, his ability to play – him and Jorgi together – and then that ability to drive from midfield, that’s not the norm. As a midfield player it’s your worst nightmare having a player who can play and then drive by you out of nowhere.”

“He was doing that today to great effect. Really pleased with him.”

–Frank Lampard; source: Metro UK

[BlueLyon 9,359]

Improvement of the year definately goes to this guy. 

He could end up close like Kdb, Salah etc except he stayed here

[Jase 43,479]

Lampard on Kovacic...

https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/players/mateo-kovacic-chelsea-frank-lampard-17227706

Quote

"I think it’s commonplace for players coming from a foreign league to the Premier League to have a period of settling in," Lampard said.

"And I think with Kovacic I thought there were some really good signs and positives from him last year. The fact he was changing in and out of the team is never easy, I get that.

"And now as a manager I get that even more. I do think he feels at home now. Not that I knew how he was last year but his personality shines through in the group.

"He’s a very likeable character with a nice tough side to him, in terms of how I see him on the pitch and off the pitch. He’s a really good player.

"He’s now signed to the club, I get that that can make someone feel happy, and he’s been playing really well."

...

"Yes. I do [want him to score more] and he does," Lampard added. "The quality he has shown in big parts this season, and I think the natural progression is goals and we are working on that one.

The moment Kovacic scores his first goal could be like when Makelele/Mikel did so!

[NikkiCFC 8,058]

45 minutes ago, Jason said:

Lampard on Kovacic...

https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/players/mateo-kovacic-chelsea-frank-lampard-17227706

The moment Kovacic scores his first goal could be like when Makelele/Mikel did so!

Kovacic in 14/15 season scored 8 goals in 44 games for Inter! Why was he effective only in that season I don't know... 

[Magic Lamps 11,668]

Good performcee again. Forced the first goal with that great run and incisive pass. 

[Tomo 21,733]

I think for now when we're just playing two of Jorginho, Kovacic and Kante then the former two should get the nod.

They have been operating at a world class level this last month and it has to be rewarded. As incredible as Kante is it will send the complete wrong message if we bench Kovacic immediately.

[1905didierblue 748]

25 minutes ago, Tomo said:

I think for now when we're just playing two of Jorginho, Kovacic and Kante then the former two should get the nod.

They have been operating at a world class level this last month and it has to be rewarded. As incredible as Kante is it will send the complete wrong message if we bench Kovacic immediately.

I think we should rotate all 3. How many consecutive games has kova played in the last month or more? These things end up with injuries. We have 3 players in top form for 2 positions. I would keep rotating them specially with that December period just around the corner.

But yes, do agree. Kova-jorginho should be first priority.

[Tomo 21,733]

1 minute ago, 1905didierblue said:

I think we should rotate all 3. How many consecutive games has kova played in the last month or more? These things end up with injuries. We have 3 players in top form for 2 positions. I would keep rotating them specially with that December period just around the corner.

But yes, do agree. Kova-jorginho should be first priority.

Yeah eventually it will head into that, I'm thinking more very short term.