Mateo Kovacic has claimed on JD Football’s TikTok that Aston Villa’s John McGinn is one of the best players he’s faced since he joined Chelsea.
The Croatian recently captained the Blues to undoubtedly their best result of the season, as they overturned a first leg deficit to Borussia Dortmund.
The Blues had lost 1-0 in Germany before he had returned to full fitness, but he was ready to start alongside Enzo Fernandez in Graham Potter’s new three-back system.
The duo worked really well together as goals from Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz saw them mount the big comeback.
Since Kovacic has been at Chelsea, he’s been involved in some pretty impressive midfield combinations at Stamford Bridge, whilst also being part of big battles with opposing midfielders.
Especially with a Champions League victory in 2021, you would think if asked he would name one of the most recognisable names in the game as his most impressive opponent.
Kovacic praises McGinn
However, he claimed that McGinn is the one who came to mind when thinking of players who have given him trouble since his move to England.
He said: “Since I’ve been here I’ve really played against some very, very tough opponents but I think John McGinn caused me some trouble against Aston Villa.
“He’s quite good with his feet, he deals with pressure quite well. There are a few others but as far as I can remember now I think John McGinn is one of the toughest.”
Villa were one of the sides who Chelsea defeated in their original honeymoon phase under Potter.
A Mason Mount double, including a sensational free-kick in the second half got the job done, in a game that feels a lifetime ago based on everything that’s happened since.
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