‘Teaching him an absolute lesson’: Pundit says £40m Chelsea player was ‘schooling’ West Ham signing last night

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Dean Ashton admired the way Chelsea maestro Mateo Kovacic educated West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta in midfield 101 yesterday.

Ashton witnessed Paqueta take part in Kovacic’s footballing class last night whilst he watched Croatia’s World Cup encounter with Brazil for talkSPORT.

Croatia were the ones who eventually received the highest grade, as they summoned all their wisdom to send the South American’s tumbling out of the tournament.

Neither nation could break the deadlock in normal time, leaving all the drama until the final half an hour and beyond.

Neymar appeared to be Brazil’s saviour once again by scoring in the 106^th minute of the match.

Never to be counted out, Croatia collected together and managed to equalise with the clock almost at 120.

For a second time, the 2018 World Cup finalists had forced the tie to a shoot-out.

And for a second time, they prevailed as victors.

Dominik Livakovic landed himself cult hero status again, as he saved two penalties to accompany the three he managed in the previous round.

His teammates sprinted faster than they had all evening to congratulate the goalkeeper, leaving Brazil in a bruised mess on the floor.

Mateo Kovacic beats Brazil

Although Kovacic was not on the pitch at the time to take a spot-kick, his contribution to the final result cannot be overlooked.

He was his typical talented and tenacious self, combining elegance and efficiency.

According to WhoScored.com, Chelsea’s £40m magician made four tackles, achieved a passing accuracy of 90.7%, completed two dribbles and had 94 touches.

The 28-year-old and Luka Modric matched and arguably bettered a midfield involving Casemiro and West Ham’s summer signing.

“Lucas Paqueta may as well have a school uniform on, because Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic are teaching him an absolute lesson in midfield. They’re just schooling him,” said former Hammers striker Ashton.

Paqueta would certainly be advised to take notes on Kovacic’s performance, as he continues to adjust to life in the Premier League.

Chelsea’s number eight has been impressing at the highest level for over half a decade, and he isn’t finished yet.

Another World Cup final could be on the horizon for Mateo; add that to the ever-growing list of accolades.