Mateo Kovacic can replace the likes of Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack at Chelsea, according to Garth Crooks

Chelsea have found the ideal replacement for the likes of Michael Ballack and Frank Lampard in the form of Mateo Kovacic.

That’s according to former Tottenham Hotspur winger Garth Crooks, who believes the Blues midfielder has the ability and the physical presence to be a leader in midfield.

Chelsea looked lightweight in their opening day defeat to Manchester United, with Paul Pogba running riot at Old Trafford.

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And with Leicester City talisman James Maddison enjoying a barnstorming game at Stamford Bridge the following week, it became apparent something had to change.

With N’Golo Kante absent through injury, Lampard tuned to Kovacic against Norwich City and the 26-year-old excelled in the 3-2 victory.

After an indifferent debut season at Stamford Bridge, the Croatia international made his move from Real Madrid permanent this summer and Crooks believes he is delivering elite performances.

He told the BBC: “Since the departures of Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack, John Terry and Frank Lampard, Chelsea have lacked leadership on the pitch.

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“The arrival of Mateo Kovacic at Stamford Bridge didn’t convince me that anything had changed until his performance against Norwich.

“In the absence of N’Golo Kante, the Croatia international looked immense. I knew he could tackle, compete and was full of enthusiasm but I didn’t think he could play.

“Every time I watch him at Stamford Bridge, he plays the ball everywhere apart from where it should have gone.

“His performance against Norwich proved he is much better than that. His manger Lampard may have discovered a player here.”