Mateo Kovačić
From TheChels.info - The Chelsea Football Club Wiki
| Mateo Kovačić | |
| |
| Full Name | Mateo Kovačić |
| Date of Birth | 6 May 1994 |
| Place of Birth | Linz, Austria |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Chelsea career | 2018 – 2023 |
| Debut | 18 August 2018 |
| Games (goals) | 221 (6) |
| Other clubs | LASK Linz Dinamo Zagreb Inter Milan Real Madrid Manchester City |
Mateo Kovačić is a Croatian midfielder who was a Chelsea player from 2018 until 2023. In June 2023, Kovačić joined Manchester City.
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Before Chelsea
Mateo Kovačić began his professional career with Dinamo Zagreb, debuting as a 16-year-old and quickly gaining attention for his close control, vision, and confidence under pressure. After helping Dinamo win two consecutive league titles, he moved to Inter Milan in 2013. At Inter, he developed into a technically gifted central midfielder, capable of playing as a deep-lying playmaker or advanced dribbler. In 2015, he joined Real Madrid, where he was primarily used as a squad player, learning under the likes of Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos. Though not always a starter, he won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles as part of Madrid’s midfield rotation and left in 2018 in search of more consistent playing time.
Chelsea career
2018–19 Season
Kovačić joined Chelsea on a season-long loan from Real Madrid and quickly integrated into Maurizio Sarri’s midfield setup. His press resistance and smooth ball progression complemented Jorginho and N’Golo Kanté, offering a blend of control and energy. While not often in the spotlight for goals or assists, his work between the lines was instrumental to Chelsea’s tempo. He ended the season with a Europa League winner’s medal after starting in the final against Arsenal. His performances were strong enough for Chelsea to sign him permanently in the summer of 2019.
2019–20 Season
Under Frank Lampard, Kovačić became one of Chelsea’s most consistent players. He featured heavily throughout the campaign and showed increased maturity, leading transitions, covering defensive space, and linking play with attacking midfielders. His composure in tight areas and quick turns out of pressure earned him the Chelsea Player of the Season award as the team secured a top-four finish.
2020–21 Season
Kovačić continued to play a key role during a season of transition. Though injuries affected his rhythm in parts, he was instrumental during Chelsea’s run to the Champions League title, particularly in knockout matches where his composure under pressure was vital. While he missed the final due to injury, he remained an important part of Thomas Tuchel’s system and added Champions League to his growing collection.
2021–22 Season
In a season marked by rotation and injuries across the squad, Kovačić’s form was a stabilizing factor. He delivered several standout performances, including in Chelsea’s deep domestic cup runs. Known for his ability to carry the ball through midfield, he frequently helped Chelsea break down opposition presses and offered versatility in different tactical setups. He played a part in Chelsea’s UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs that season.
2022–23 Season
Chelsea struggled for consistency under multiple managers during this campaign, but Kovačić remained one of the more dependable performers. Often wearing the armband in the absence of senior players, he provided leadership on the pitch. Despite the team’s mid-table finish and early exits from cup competitions, his professionalism and commitment stood out during a turbulent year.
Statistics
| Season | Prem | FA Cup | League Cup | Europe | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |
| 2018-19 | 32 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 51 | 0 |
| 2019-20 | 31 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 47 | 2 |
| 2020-21 | 27 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 42 | 0 |
| 2021-22 | 25 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 44 | 2 |
| 2022-23 | 27 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 37 | 2 |
| Total | 142 | 4 | 17 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 44 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 221 | 6 |
- Correct as of the end of the 2022-23 season
Goals
| # | Season | Date | Year | Competition | Opponent | Score | Result | Venue |
| 1 | 2019-20 | 27 November | 2019 | UEFA Champions League | Valencia | 1-1 | 2-2 | Mestalla |
| 2 | 2019-20 | 07 December | 2019 | Premier League | Everton | 1-2 | 1-3 | Goodinson Park |
| 3 | 2021-22 | 11 September | 2021 | Premier League | Aston Villa | 2-0 | 3-0 | Stamford Bridge |
| 4 | 2021-22 | 02 January | 2022 | Premier League | Liverpool | 1-2 | 2-2 | Stamford Bridge |
| 5 | 2022-23 | 25 October | 2022 | UEFA Champions League | Red Bull Salzburg | 1-0 | 2-1 | Red Bull Arena, Salzburg |
| 6 | 2022-23 | 11 March | 2023 | Premier League | Leicester City | 3-1 | 3-1 | King Power Stadium |
International
Kovačić made his debut for the Croatia national team in 2013 and has since represented his country in multiple major tournaments, including the 2014, 2018, and 2022 FIFA World Cups, and EURO 2016 and 2020. He played an important role in Croatia’s run to the 2018 World Cup final and has remained a regular starter in midfield alongside Luka Modrić and Marcelo Brozović. Known for his tidy passing, control in tight spaces, and calmness under pressure, he continues to be a key figure for Croatia’s golden generation.
Honours
- UEFA Europa League: 2018-19
- UEFA Champions League: 2020-21
- UEFA Super Cup: 2021
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2021
