TV pundit Ian Wright has named midfielder Mateo Kovacic as his player of the season for Chelsea so far.

The Croatian international has been in and out of the starting line up since the turn of the year, but he put in a superb display against Tottenham in the 2-1 win on Saturday and speaking after the game, Wright was keen to give credit to the 25-year-old:

“I have to give a special mention to Kovacic as well because I think he’s been Chelsea’s player of the season so far.”

Kovacic has certainly merited the £40m which was spent to bring him to Stamford Bridge on a permanent basis in the summer.

His two goals and three assists in 32 appearances this campaign don’t tell the full story, with the Croatian’s ability to keep possession and set up attacks being crucial to how manager Frank Lampard wants to play.

Kovacic is certainly a candidate for player of the season if he continues to put in the same level of performance he displayed against Spurs at the weekend.