Croatian media were left in awe of the performance of Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic last night in their country’s 2-0 win over Turkey in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Sportske Jutarnji awarded the 28-year-old the player of the match award as the World Cup semi-finalists bounced back from a disappointing draw with Ethan Ampadu’s Wales.
Goals have never been a regular feature of Kovacic’s game, so they are normally cherished whenever he bags at Stamford Bridge.
Last night however saw him find the net twice in the first half to send his country on their way to an important three points.
The performance was another indicator of the quality that he has been showing for the Blues in recent weeks as club captain.
However, his display on the international stage is what has now been credited by Croatian media.
They said: “The best: Kovačić 8 – A brilliant technical-tactical performance garnished with two goals.”
Kovacic stars for Croatia
It is nice to see the multi-time Champions League winner step up as the most important member of the midfield. A lot of the time he is seen as a complimentary figure to another player.
Even now, it is hard to stand out in West London when featuring alongside Enzo Fernandez.
The World Cup winner was the club’s record signing back in January, and he has certainly hit the ground running since his move.
The duo have formed quite the partnership in recent weeks, and it is no coincidence that this has coincided with a return to form for Graham Potter’s side.
That partnership is looking like it is going to be broken up soon with N’golo Kante poised to make his return after being named in the last matchday squad.
Kovacic may be the one to unfortunately miss out, with it unlikely Fernandez will be benched anytime soon.
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