Real Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez and former Blue Billy Gilmour have taken to Instagram to congratulate Mateo Kovacic for advancing to the quarter-finals of the World Cup yesterday.
The Chelsea man played on into extra-time last night as Croatia fought from a goal down to draw 1-1 in 90 minutes.
After no goals in the resulting extra period, the 2018 finalists ended up dominant victors in a penalty shootout.
After another strong individual performance, he drew praise from former teammates Vazquez and Gilmour on Instagram.
Both are not present at the World Cup. Scotland didn’t qualify for the competition, while Vazquez has not been chosen as a member of the Spain attack spearheaded by former Blue Alvaro Morata.
Croatia meanwhile will now look forward to a quarter-final tie with tournament favourites Brazil, and will look to outwit club teammate Thiago Silva.
Gilmour and Vazquez praise Kovacic
While Kovacic’s focus will no doubt be on the World Cup right now, there is an element of doubt over his future at Stamford Bridge.
Reports have claimed that he is currently assessing his options for the next few years. His departure would be a massive loss for Chelsea.
After joining for £40m, he has consistently improved to the point where he is certainly one of the strongest members of the first team when fit.
Fitness has been an issue this season for the 28-year-old. Graham Potter has admitted that he has not been able to be at 100% since before the domestic season began.
Supporters will be hoping he has begun to achieve complete fitness, given his fellow central midfielder N’golo Kante has not been available since the Tottenham game back in August.
Let’s hope however far Kovacic goes in the tournament this winter, he returns with a clean bill of health so they can push on for the second half of the season.
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