Chelsea are currently blessed with a host of quality options in midfield and Real Madrid loanee Mateo Kovacic has made a positive impact so far at Stamford Bridge.
The 24-year-old has been a regular in Maurizio Sarri’s side so far this campaign and there are a number of fans who would love to see him sign on a permanent basis.
The Blues have had some top midfielders over the years at the club and ex-Chelsea ace Michael Essien is fondly remembered.
Essien was a no-nonsense enforcer that won two Premier League titles in West London, but perhaps his greatest trait was it flexibility to slot into any position in the midfield three.
So do Chelsea have their new version of Essien in the shape of Kovacic?
It’s still early days into Kovacic’s career at Chelsea, but he’s proving he is an all-rounded midfielder that can plug many holes for Sarri’s team.
The Croatia international looks a serious threat when in possession and has driving run forwards that can create space.
Meanwhile, he’s got a great engine and work-rate too to slot into midfield alongside Jorginho and N’Golo Kante.
Essien was always a big-game player that turned up for the crucial fixtures for Chelsea and it will intriguing to see if Kovacic can develop his game to fill that same role.
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