Should Chelsea keep hold of Kovacic?

It’s set to be a turbulent summer at Stamford Bridge, with an impending transfer ban and various departures already being rumoured as Chelsea look to set the foundations for a title challenge next season. However, one midfielder whose future is very much up in the air is that of Mateo Kovacic.

Signed from Real Madrid on a season-long loan as part of the deal that saw Thibaut Courtois go the other way, Kovacic was signed to help booster Chelsea’s midfield options and provide a little more spark from deep. The Croatian has always been very highly rated, and his signing was met with excitement about what he’d be able to do as part of Maurizio Sarri’s three-man midfield.

However, as the season reaches its culmination, it’s fair to say that Kovacic has failed to deliver on any of his promise. The 24-year-old has appeared 28 times in the Premier League for the Blues, but has yet to contribute a singular goal, whilst only mustering two assists. A quite alarming set of statistics for a midfielder often praised for his creativity and link up play.

What can Kovacic offer?

There have been snippets of Kovacic’s undoubted talent, with snazzy and intricate passes in the lead up to goals, whilst his work rate has never been in doubt. Kovacic has also been tested as Jorginho’s understudy in the ‘deep lying playmaker’ role of Sarri’s midfield, following Cesc Fabregas’ departure to Monaco in the January transfer window. Whilst Kovacic looked comfortable in the role, it is not the role that is best suited to his strengths.

Kovacic was signed to help the transition from midfield to attack, with quick and intricate link up play that was seen much more often during his spells at Inter Milan and Real Madrid. However, he has struggled to fulfil his potential in London, and it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will seek to sign him up on a permanent basis – transfer ban permitting.

However, Sarri has recently come out to say that he would like to keep Kovacic at the club. The competition that he offers the midfield is key, as it also allows Sarri to rest Jorginho in the pivotal middle role. Additionally, the increased rivalry for places has seen Ruben Loftus-Cheek reach his best levels at Stamford Bridge thus far. The Englishman now appears to be a number one choice for Sarri, as Kovacic has recently had to settle for a spot on the bench in the Premier League, whilst getting a run out in the Europa League.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will actually be able to sign Kovacic on a permanent deal, but the midfielder first needs to fight his way back into the Blues’ Starting XI and focus on finding his best form as the season reaches its end.

Featured Image Credit: “Mateo Kovacic” (CC BY 2.0) by fenderjaguar