The midfielder has been an important part of Tuchel’s project at Stamford Bridge since joining the Blues from Real Madrid in 2018. He initially came on loan before joining permanently the following season.
Alongside the likes of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho, the Croat has flourished. He has scored four goals and contributed 12 assists in 176 appearances for Chelsea, across competitions.
Ahead of the Blues’ UEFA Champions League quarter-final encounter with Real Madrid, Tuchel praised the 27-year-old. Asked whether Kovacic was heading towards becoming a star for the west London club, Tuchel responded by telling reporters (via Football.London):
Tuchel added:
Mateo Kovacic to come into Chelsea starting XI for game vs Real Madrid
Thomas Tuchel sprang somewhat of a surprise when he named Ruben Loftus-Cheek in midfield against Brentford this past weekend. The plan of resting Kovacic did not work as Brentford blew their London rivals away in a 4-1 demolition.
Nevertheless, the Croatian midfielder is expected to come back for the huge Champions League battle with Los Blancos.
He will likely line up alongside N’Golo Kante as Tuchel needs his midfield to get control against the talented midfielders at Madrid.
Eduardo Camavinga has been added to the already glittering choice of midfielders at the Santiago Bernabeu. The likes of Toni Kroos, Casemiro, and Luka Modric will be very difficult to contain.
However, the Blues have shown that they can do it, having beaten Madrid last year in the semi-finals of the Champions League. Chelsea went on to lift the European trophy after that win.
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