Chelsea did not have the best of games against Hull City in the FA Cup tonight, understandable given the rotated nature of the side that Frank Lampard put out.
But one player who started today despite also featuring against Arsenal on Tuesday was Mateo Kovacic. The Croatian midfielder was absolute class in the middle of the park, passing and moving and tackling like a real world class centre mid.
He set up the Blues first goal after 5 minutes with a gorgeous raking pass out to the right flank, and he didn’t look back from there. Fans on social media were suitably impressed, with one in particular pointing out that he “starts for every team in the league.”
You know what, that’s not much of an exaggeration. When he’s playing like this, everyone would love him in their XI.
You can see a collection of the utterly glowing praise embedded below:
Kovacic is still playing so well in this half. Wonderful tackle gives Willian the ball who plays in Pedro. Pedro just wide with the shot. He is now on the other wing with Willian maybe better at tracking back to help Alonso #CFC #HULCHE
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) January 25, 2020
Kovacic, playing deep tonight, is bossing it out on the pitch with every pass and turn coming off with perfection. pic.twitter.com/qinNaeti4I
— Lilian Chan (@bestgug) January 25, 2020
https://twitter.com/Arrizabaelaga/status/1221142773551849474
Kovacic was everywhere that first half 💪#HULCHE pic.twitter.com/MAuw4n5iIO
— Chelsea FC USA (@ChelseaFCinUSA) January 25, 2020
https://twitter.com/arnav20_cfc/status/1221125493254053889
Kovacic is mad disrespected by other fan bases. He literally starts for every team in the league
— Lew (@CFCLew_) January 25, 2020
Mateo Kovacic is easily one of the most enjoyable players to watch in world football.
He’s press resistant beyond belief, is an incredible passer with great vision and range, a great dribbler, and more than good enough defensively.
Will never get tired of praising him.
— EiF (@EiFSoccer) January 25, 2020
https://twitter.com/ObongaA/status/1221138302746681345
Kovacic vs Hull City (1st Half):
Passing Accuracy: 87.7%
Big Chances Created: 1 [Mount should've scored]
Long Balls Completed: 4/7
Dribbling Success: 100%
Ground Duels Won: 2/3
2 Clearances, 1 Interception, 1 Tackle
Fouls Won: 1Looking really solid in that deep lying role 👊 pic.twitter.com/UYT07KCj88
— Nouman (@nomifooty) January 25, 2020
What a pass from Kovacic! Has always been better playing deeper.
— Simon Phillips (@siphillipssport) January 25, 2020
Kovacic in the first 15 minutes today pic.twitter.com/ysbJ0XsAuf
— Parth (@pathaleee) January 25, 2020
What a baller he is! 🔥
Mateo 'Elite' Kovacic 💙 pic.twitter.com/d6kUQj5kQ8— . (@CFCBilly_) January 25, 2020
Kovacic is streets ahead of any other Chelsea player.
It’s so nice to see that World Class talent we saw at Inter all those years ago actually being World Class now.
— Will (@willreyner) January 25, 2020
https://twitter.com/MaxFutboI/status/1221131885658755074
https://twitter.com/FutbolTarik/status/1221132223337902080
https://twitter.com/Vintage_mxssi/status/1221126963726864384
