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Chelsea FC: Mateo Kovačić has to go right now

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Chelsea FC, Mateo Kovacic

Mateo Kovačić’s time at Chelsea seems to be coming to a sad end. The club is on the brink and plays like a relegation candidate. The Croatian hasn’t had to go through anything like this since joining from Real Madrid five years ago.

Mateo Kovačić: embodiment of Chelsea’s slump in form

Much like his former midfield colleague Jorginho, Kovačić never really delivered what was expected of him when he was loaned from Real Madrid in 2018.

He’s arguably the embodiment of Chelsea’s ongoing transition: consistently inconsistent, underachieving and frustrating – but still capable of putting in some good games.

The Croatian is usually robust in a tackle and is known for his dribbling from his own half. He’s always had the potential to be a world-class box-to-box player. But he never really exhausted that. Instead, he is increasingly fading.

His actions rarely result in assists or goals, and his pass rate (two assists, 86 percent pass rate in the Premier League) is not that of a top-class point guard. His propensity for bad passes in build-up is particularly devastating.

His top performances during the 2019/20 season disrupted by Covid earned him the Player of the Year award bestowed on him by the fans. He has been missing this form too often since then.

A worker, but not world class

Legendary Italy coach and world champion Giovanni Trapattoni once described Kovačić as “a cross between Kaka and Clarence Seedorf.” Yes, he showed that much potential as a young attacking midfielder at Inter after joining from Dinamo Zagreb.

However, he never developed into a playmaker of the quality of Kaka or Seedorf – instead becoming “just” an average Chelsea player.

But he is a worker, with a lot of energy that never lets up. However, you can never rely on him to reliably deliver templates. Some now even see him more as a defensive than as an attacking midfielder.

Although he showed consistently good performances under coach Thomas Tuchel. But the 29-year-old’s record of six goals and 15 assists in 220 appearances for the Blues speaks for itself.

Brief moments of pure genius

But the Croatian will also be remembered for brilliant moments. In the 2019 Europa League final against Arsenal, for example, he showed one of his best games.

He was also a key player in 2021 when he won the Champions League. He excelled in the first and second leg of the round of 16 against Atletico Madrid. In the final against Manchester City (1-0), however, he only got ten minutes.

He rarely scored goals, but when he did, they were unforgettable. His first two goals were placed low shots against Valencia and Everton in the 2019/20 season. In the current season he has been successful with two one-touch shots that require an enormous amount of feel for the ball.

However, his greatest goal was undoubtedly the volley he scored in last season’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool, which was voted goal of the season. Kovačić kept his eye on the ball as it fell from the sky and conjured a magnificent arcing volley that kissed the post and then flew into the net – pure poetry.

Mateo Kovačić: Fan favorite

The Croatian is popular. As a full professional, he throws himself into every game, runs and fights. The fans appreciate that. And he himself also feels connected to the blues fans.

“I’ve been lucky enough to live in great countries and cities, learn about new cultures and meet special people,” Kovačić said recently. “I learned a lot of lessons. First of all, to respect all people. I can only be grateful for the way they treated me. I tried to treat them the way they treated me. Just being polite, so good it’s possible, which isn’t always easy, but being myself.”

The midfielder summed it up: “When I see where I’ve been, it’s really amazing. I’m just grateful for the people I’ve met. It’s been a beautiful journey.”

Mateo Kovačić: Hints of whereabouts

Despite the uncertainty about his future, he recently indicated that he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge – in London, where he feels at home with his family: “I’ve been here for five years, time flies and I’m from the longest at Chelsea of ​​all clubs,” said the Champions League winner in April. “I feel very, very at home here. There is nothing not to love about London. My family enjoys it, which makes it easier for me. The food is okay, maybe not like Italy or Spain! But London is fantastic.”

He also said a few words about his youngest: “My son goes to kindergarten here in London, he enjoys it, the people are so nice. I can only say good things about London and England. We feel very comfortable here.”

… but the time to go has come

Kovačić would be badly disappointed if Chelsea kicked him out. The club’s co-owners Boehly and Eghbali are reportedly unwilling to retain players who have reached their final year of contract. They also need to finally thin out their bloated roster and generate revenue after a completely haywire winter transfer window.

Although the 29-year-old has always hovered between a key player and the bench at Chelsea, there will be a number of prospects for him. Manchester City AND United are said to have him on the list. A reunion with coach Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich is also conceivable if the 49-year-old is still in office next season. What also speaks for Kovačić as a Bayern player: He was born in Linz, Austria, and speaks German.

All in all, this seems like the right moment for the two parties to go their separate ways. Chelsea need to trim their squad and payroll costs and continue to develop as a team under Pochettino, while Kovacic still has the time and ability to prove himself at an elite club – perhaps in a league with tactics more suited to his style.

Mateo Kovačić: Career so far

seasons Association games Gates
2018 – now Chelsea FC 221 6
2015 – 2018 real Madrid 109 3
2013 – 2015 InterMilan 97 8th
2010 – 2013 Dinamo Zagreb 63 7

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