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Chelsea winter evaluation: Midfield secure but problematic

By Travis Tyler

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 29: Jorginho of Chelsea is closed down by Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on December 29, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 29: Jorginho of Chelsea is closed down by Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on December 29, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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HULL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 25: Billy Gilmour of Chelsea runs with the ball as he is put under pressure by Martin Samuelsen of Hull City during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Hull City FC and Chelsea FC at KCOM Stadium on January 25, 2020 in Hull, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Mateo Kovacic, Croatia

It was clear last season that Kovacic was absolutely not an attacking midfielder. The more Kovacic suited up for Chelsea, the more apparent it became that he was a linker. He is the perfect midfielder to connect a defense or defensive midfielder to the offense or an attacking midfielder.

In that role this season, Kovacic has excelled. He is cool and calm on the ball and can pick passes with the best of them. He can cover for the defense if needed. And he knows exactly when to dribble forward and create havoc.

For a player that came on loan last season and who many did not want bought, Kovacic has been a revaluation. He has rekindled the spark that brought him to Real Madrid in the first place. There may still be a concern or two about his fitness, but overall Kovacic has led the pack in midfield this season.

Performance so far: In a more suited role, Kovacic has excelled this season.

Will he return next season: Yes without a doubt. Kovacic makes the club tick and it is more a matter of who to best surround him with than anything.

light. Related Story. Chelsea winter evaluation: Goalkeepers need a ton of work

Billy Gilmour, Scotland

Gilmour is going to be a star. Every time he has played for Chelsea this season, he has just oozed talent and effort. It is hard not to watch him play and not get Cesc Fabregas vibes. Every pass has intention, vision, and accuracy. And that is not to even mention the effort off the ball.

But Gilmour’s main issue is the players he has in front of him. He simply will not get enough playing time to develop into the star he can become with Kovacic, Jorginho, and Kante at the club. That is not to even mention the attacking midfielders who play deeper on occasion further blocking his path.

At 18, Gilmour has shown he can hang with the first team. But he needs to play in the first team and that simply will not happen at Chelsea next season. A Championship loan is probably in the cards, though a convincing Premier League one would be ideal.

Performance so far: This kid is going to be a star if Chelsea treat him right. Luckily, Lampard is the manager now.

Will he return next season: He might, but should not. A solid loan where he can play every week will help him fulfill his potential.

Next. Chelsea winter evaluation: Traffic jam at center back. dark

How would you evaluate the center midfielders so far? Who do you think will return? Let us know in the comments and on Twitter!

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