Pat Nevin believes Lionel Messi would be “utterly proud” if he had scored Mateo Kovacic’s goal against Leicester City.
The 28-year-old scored a spectacular volley in the closing stages of Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Leicester at the weekend.
Kovacic, who led the west London club to their second consecutive victory, rifled the ball past goalkeeper Danny Ward from close range. The Croatian international used great athleticism and technique to leap ahead of his opponent before launching a scissor-kick maneuver.
He has only scored six goals for Chelsea since joining from Real Madrid nearly four years ago, but each effort is as good as the last, with the midfielder making a habit of scoring screamers..
Kovacic’s previous Premier League goal for the Blues was also reminiscent of the scissor-kick volley, albeit from outside the box.
Nevin believes that the Croatian’s goal against Leicester was among his best for the club.
“It is the sort of finish that any player up to the level of Lionel Messi would be utterly proud of,” the 59-year-old former Chelsea winger said, “and not just having the ability to do it, but having the imagination to get your body into the right position and then manufacturing the power from the scissor-kick.”
Nevin believes that the Croatian’s goal against Leicester was among his best for the club..
“It is the sort of finish that any player up to the level of Lionel Messi would be utterly proud of,” the 59-year-old former Chelsea winger said, “and not just having the ability to do it, but having the imagination to get your body into the right position and then manufacturing the power from the scissor-kick.”
Graham Potter lauded Kovacic for his outstanding performances this season after the win over Leicester. “He’s been captain in the last two games, which shows how influential he is,” Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said.
He’s a fantastic guy, and I adore him. He is determined, has character, courage, and is willing to take the ball in a pinch..
He is an important player for us because of what he has accomplished with his national team and here at Chelsea.”
Kovacic has recently entered the final 18 months of his contract at Stamford Bridge, so his future is naturally uncertain.
Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic, Cesar Azpilicueta, Thaigo Silva, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are among the Chelsea players whose contracts will expire in June 2024.
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