Chelsea player has proved why Potter must start him every game, he’s linked with a new deal – TCC View

Add as preferred source on Google

Graham Potter simply must start Mateo Kovacic in every Chelsea game when the team return to action later this month.

Kovacic, 28, has proved during this World Cup tournament so far that he’s one of the very best midfielders around.

The Croatia international has played a really important role in his country reaching the World Cup semi-finals, where they will face Argentina next week for a place in the final.

His latest performance was an eye-catching display in Friday’s quarter-final victory against Brazil. Incidentally, talkSPORT pundit Dean Ashton said him and Luka Modric taught Brazil’s Lucas Paqueta a lesson in the centre of the park.

Potter must start Kovacic

There should be no doubt in Graham Potter’s mind that Kovacic is one of his most important players, with his World Cup performances only reiterating what most of the fanbase at Stamford Bridge already think.

Aside from the odd match for rest and rotation, Kovacic always has to be nailed on in the starting line-up in our view.

Chelsea boss Potter did mix and match during the opening couple of months in charge. He’s had this winter break to assess and think about tactics, though.

Hopefully, his Croatian central midfielder will be the glue that sticks this side together.

His ability to take and keep the ball under pressure is rare. Also, the dribbling, passing and aggression in his game is perfect in the midfield.

In fairness, Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are the only Chelsea players to make more appearances than Kovacic so far during Potter’s reign. It’s absolutely vital he continues to be a centrepiece moving forward, too.

Get that deal sorted

With around 18 months left on his deal, Chelsea must sort out Kovacic’s long-term future as soon as possible.

The Evening Standard claimed in October that the Blues could begin contract negotiations with Kovacic immediately after the World Cup.

Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.