It was shortly after joining Chelsea on loan in the summer of 2018 that Mateo Kovacic explained why he had to leave Real Madrid after three seasons with the La Liga giants. "It was two years of struggling in Madrid, playing and not playing, it was difficult," the Croatian midfielder explained. "Without the confidence, you don't try the things you know."
Kovacic's first campaign at Stamford Bridge saw him job-share a role on the left of Maurizio Sarri's midfield three with Ross Barkley. There were flashes of the Croatian's skill and poise on the ball, but he didn't have a huge impact in either the attacking or defensive third. Still, given the Blues had to serve a transfer ban in the summer of 2019, it made sense to turn Kovacic's loan into a permanent deal.
Under Frank Lampard, Kovacic blossomed further. He made 47 appearances across all competitions and was named Chelsea's 2019/20 Player of the Season. It was deserved but also an indication of the inconsistency of those around the midfielder in Lampard's side. There wasn't an overwhelming favourite to win the honour.
