Twelve months ago when Chelsea squared up with Real Madrid for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, Mateo Kovacic watched on from home, unable to be involved in any capacity due to a muscle injury that would keep him out of both legs of the tie.
This could have been the perfect opportunity for the Croatian to excel against his former club, proving he was capable of reaching the elite levels of performance that he was unable to for Real Madrid. Despite being present during Los Blancos' incredible trio of Champions League wins between 2016-18, he played no part in any of the finals.
Fortune means that almost a year later, Kovacic finally gets his chance to impress against Real Madrid, this time in a healthier place. And Thomas Tuchel's lavish praise of the midfielder demonstrated how far he has come under his coaching.
READ MORE: Christian Pulisic can help new Chelsea owners finalise deal as Thomas Tuchel prepares audition
"He looks like a wonderkid in training in some exercises." Tuchel told the media during Tuesday's pre-match press conference. "Today he had an outstanding training session and is a fantastic character. He is crucial to us on the pitch and off the pitch in the way he behaves."
It has been of some surprise to Chelsea fans that Kovacic has only started four of Chelsea's last eight games, only one of the last five Premier League games. It is a common consensus amongst supporters that the 27-year-old has enjoyed his best season in blue, even coming into the conversation for player of the year.
Back in the summer, the jury was very much out on Kovacic. He was a late substitute in the Champions League final win over Manchester City last May, with Jorginho and N'Golo Kante forming Tuchel's most trusted midfield pairing. There were serious questions over his ability to truly influence games, too often producing style over substance.
In 2021/22 the perception of Kovacic has firmly changed and he is now seen as one of Tuchel's most impactful midfielders. Even amid the second-half collapse against Brentford at the weekend, it did not take Kovacic long to create a great chance for Kai Havertz, which the German unfortunately scuffed wide.
In just 21 minutes of action, Kovacic had 21 touches, created two chances and had a 94% pass accuracy. His presence seems to elevate the natural energy in Chelsea's game, something Tuchel will need in the crucial closing weeks of this season.
His penetrating drives through the centre of the pitch have allowed space to open up for others, and equally, his lack of doubt when receiving the ball has taken his game up to new levels. His transformation can be attributed to the work of Tuchel, who remains the club's greatest asset on the men's side.
His level of tactical acumen to extract the best from doubted players has been one of the most striking things about his tenure so far. Similar could be said about the improvement of Antonio Rudiger, a player who was also doubted and criticised for his flaws before the defender transformed into one of Europe's best in Tuchel's back-three.
For the club's incoming owners, having a coach with this ability makes him a threat to rivals. Part of what inspires fans with Tuchel is the way he has markedly improved a squad of players assembled under multiple head coaches. And there should be excitement over what could be achieved should he be given time to mould Chelsea's squad into one more of his liking in the coming years.
