In a recent interview with the club’s official website, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has mentioned that Mateo Kovacic is ready to return from injury ahead of the FA Cup final clash against Leicester City this weekend. Tuchel said,
‘Kova is with us again.
‘It’s huge. Mateo has everything we need in midfield. He has experience, power, acceleration, deceleration, he can dribble with the ball and beat players, he is fast and has physical ability.
‘You could see when we missed Mateo and N’Golo in the same match we lacked quality and energy and experience. Billy [Gilmour] did a huge job in both games, but it’s still not fair to compare him to these players because they have more experience and they are a step ahead in their development.
‘It’s what we need in the key moments of the season at the end of the season. It’s big news for us Kova is back. He has a huge impact in the dressing room also and is a very positive guy.’
Kovacic’s Impressive Form At The English Capital This Season
Kovacic has enjoyed a solid season at West London so far as he has been responsible for producing a run of dominant displays at the centre of Chelsea’s midfield. The Croatia international has made 39 appearances for the Blues this term, securing two assists in the process across all fronts.
The 27-year-old has established himself as a consistent performer at Stamford Bridge by averaging 1.6 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, 0.8 shots, 0.8 key passes and 2.0 dribbles per 90 minutes in Premier League football this season. He has even been accurate when distributing the ball after completing 91% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
Kovacic Set To Return From Injury This Weekend: Big Boost For Thomas Tuchel?
Kovacic is a strong runner with the ball from midfield and excels at disrupting the opposition’s rhythm in the game at the centre of the park. He has even got the eye to play a decisive pass in the attacking end of the field. Plus, the 66-time Croatia international can strike the ball with power and accuracy from long range but needs to work on improving his productivity in the final third.
Therefore, having Kovacic back for the FA Cup final versus Leicester City will be a massive boost for Chelsea as he could help them emerge victorious this weekend. The Croat sensation has also formed a solid midfield partnership with N’Golo Kante and Jorginho that could give the Blues an edge in the UEFA Champions League final against Manchester City later this month.
With some key fixtures coming up for the Blues over the next few weeks, Kovavic has what it takes to play an influential role for Thomas Tuchel’s side and propel them towards finishing this season strong and taste success in both domestic and European football.
