KOVACIC HAS BEEN IMPRESSIVE UNDER LAMPARD

Despite results not always going their way, Frank Lampard and his boys seem to have been developing steadily. Case study is Mateo Kovacic under the leadership of a former midfield maestro himself.

The player can on loan from Real Madrid last season. He had potential in Spain but the pace was the issue hence the deal with the Blues so he could get more game time. Under Coach Maurizio Sarri, the Croatian showed he could go on to be a world class player. He started 21 times, playing 11 times from the bench.

Jorginho and N’GoloKante were his partners in the midfield. While Jorginho was tasked with the spreading, Kante offered more offensively on the right compared to Kovacic who did well generally. Chelsea spent 45 million pounds to seal the player from Madrid this season despite their transfer ban.

With the injury to Kante, Kovacic seem to have stepped up as demanded by Coach Lampard. In the 4-2-3-1 formation, Kovacic and Jorginho formed an enviable partnership in the Blues midfield. Even with the 4-3-3 formation that required him to move to the right, unlike last term the player was impressive. His tackles, take-ons, forward contributions and general performance showed he has grown into the role.

The player admitted that Lampard gave him the freedom to get the ball, move forward and do something more. He hailed the connection he has with Lampard and feels he is contributing more to the team.  Even when Kante returns to full fitness, Lampard would surely be able to balance his options in the midfield.

The frontline seems to be settling in fast especially with Tammy Abraham delivering the goods. The wings and defence can do better so the team can deliver a wholesome performance.