Thread on Mateo Kovacic's impact this season and why he's Chelsea's POTY & one of the best midfielders in the world atm.

RTs appreciated.

[Stats from fbref via Statsbomb]

Kovacic played 23 games + 8 sub app.(8th most min) & scored 1 Goal & 3 Assists in PL. Also scored a crucial goal in the Champions League.

Press resistant, one of the best dribblers in Europe & was a key part in the build up of Chelsea's many goals this season.

Kovacic's attacking contribution in PL this season:

Dribbling:

• Successful dribbles - 1st (Most by any Chelsea midf) | 3rd in PL (3rd most by any PL midf)
• Succ. dribble /90 - 1st | 3rd in PL
• Succ. dribble % - 1st
• No. of players dribbled past - 1st | 3rd in PL

Ball control:

• No. of times the player controlled the ball with their feet - 2nd at Chelsea | 3rd in PL
• Total distance a player moved the ball while controlling it with their feet - 1st | 2nd in PL
• ^ per 90 - 1st | 2nd in PL

Passing:

• Progressive dist by passes - 1st
• Progressive dist by carries - 1st
• Pass completion % - 1st
• Key passes - 2nd
• Through balls - 1st
• Passes made under pressure - 1st
• Completed live ball passes that lead to a Goal - 1st | 5th in PL

Kovacic's defensive contribution in the league this season:

• No. of players tackled - 1st | 6th in PL
• No. of dribblers tackled - 1st | 8th in PL
• Tackles won - 1st | 4th in PL
• Tackles won in mid 1/3rd - 1st | 5th in PL
• Blocks - 3rd
• Interception - 3rd

Kovacic was crucial in Chelsea's dynamism as well as pressing in midfield.

Kovacic's pressing was better than anyone at Chelsea.

• Successful pressures - 1st
• Successful pressure % - 1st | 5th in PL

Kovacic's all round game improved this season.

Undoubtedly, Kovacic is a crucial player in Frank Lampard's system & Chelsea's best Player of the Season. He's also one of the best midfielders in the world atm.

End of thread. Likes & RTs appreciated.