Kovacic contract update and Chelsea’s next Eden Hazard

Pride of London detail an update with regard to Mateo Kovacic’s contract, as well as offering opinion on Chelsea’s supposed ‘next Eden Hazard’, Omari Hutchinson.

OK let’s begin with the apparent contract news on Kovacic. By the way, how good has he been recently? I wish this knee injury would get sorted; if any readers are unaware, Chels’ are constantly monitoring his problem, which is why he has played fewer minutes than Graham Potter may have ideally wanted. Surely the World Cup is a factor there with the Croatians ready to face Belgium, Canada and Morocco in Group F.

Talking of the illustrious tournament, the Blues are said to be eager to have the midfielder sign an extension to his CFC deal when he returns from duty in Qatar. This is no surprise as Kovacic is becoming key under the English head coach. This story suggests a long-term offer shall be made.

Do Chelsea have the next Eden Hazard?

Could Omari Hutchinson be Chelsea’s next Eden Hazard? No, he cannot. Hutchinson may be almost as good, as good or even eventually better – but he can’t be Hazard. Nobody can. The Belgian was unique while at Stamford Bridge and his style, effectiveness or success can’t truly be replicated.

As I alluded to, a high ceiling was set at CFC by the iconic, now Real Madrid winger. Nevertheless, the roof can be smashed and Hazard’s astonishing level exceeded. Hutchinson is a real talent, I mean, really exceptional. Take a little look at some of his Chelsea Under-21 work via this link, if you weren’t aware won’t take my word for it.

I think the low centre of gravity, speed, strength on the ball and a diminutive size are naturally where  first comparisons were initially drawn between the 18-year old and the 31-year-old. Yet the unreal dribbling ability and effortless take ons are where the two are particularly similar.

Essentially they respectively possess skill sets and mental toughness to take a scoreless, dull game and make something happen almost individually. For example, the younger CFC starlet has supplied eight goal involvements in Premier League 2 Division 1 this season. Which adds to his standout three in three outings in the 2022/23 Football League Trophy.

And, to that end, some are calling for Hutchinson to get a chance in the EPL, similarly to Carney Chukwuemeka. Apparently a Blues youth coach likened the ex-Arsenal the summer signing to Hazard. Whether the senior Jamaica international will emulate the La Louviere-born man remains to be seen.