If you asked Chelsea supporters who they believed to be the club’s most important player this season, the answers would be varied.
Some might justifiably say Thiago Silva, for his age-defying high-level performances in defence.
Or Silva’s protective partner, Antonio Rudiger, who is always 100% committed to the course.
Behind them, Edouard Mendy probably gets a shout, although the goalkeeper’s nomination has probably worn thin recently.
Further upfield, Reece James’ form going forward certainly warrants a vote.
Not to mention Mason Mount, who is already approaching his finest scoring return in senior football.
One man’s name that might go under the radar, however, is Mateo Kovacic.
Mainly because he’s missed a large chunk of the campaign through injury and covid isolation.
Welcome back, Kova
The midfielder’s substitute appearance against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend was his first nearly two months.
Yet, it should not be forgotten that, up until the hamstring injury he sustained in late October, the 27-year-old was enjoying a serious purple patch.
He had five assists under his belt before the stint on the side-lines, the same number he managed in the previous two campaigns combined.
Kovacic looked on top of his game, with that elegancy in possession now being projected by a wide range of passing.
“This lad has been outstanding all season for Chelsea,” said Garth Crooks about the former Real Madrid man earlier in the term.
Chelsea missed their classy Croatian
Chelsea looked a destructive outfit thanks to the Croatian international controlling the midfield.
During the period of his absence, the Blues went into self-destruct mode.
They won four out of a possible eight Premier League games without Kovacic, as appose to seven from nine with him.
WhoScored.com did the maths on this one and worked out that Tuchel’s team had a win ratio of 87.5% with the Croat starting in the league compared to 40% when he hasn’t.
Thankfully, now Kovacic has returned, the negative percentage should hopefully begin to fade away.
So, Chelsea supporters, has this changed your opinion on the club’s most important player this season?
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