Chelsea star makes the cut for Croatia as 26-man squad for World Cup is announced

Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic named in the Croatia squad for the World Cup

According to the Independent, Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic are among the stars named in the final Croatia squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.

Real Madrid superstar Luka Modric will lead his country again in the tournament, along with other experienced stars Ivan Perisic and Marcelo Brozovic. With stars of the yesteryear, namely Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Rakitic not there anymore, the onus is on the current crop of experienced players to go one better than the run to the final in 2018.

Chelsea summer target Josko Gvardiol is among the defenders to feature in Qatar. The RB Leipzig centre-back has been one of the best young centre-backs in Europe in the last 12 months.

Here’s what the Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic said regarding the final squad selection (h/t Independent):

“These are the players that I and my staff believe in. There will be no pressure, we will take it one game at a time.

“The first match for us is the most important and all our focus is on Morocco. We are optimistic but need to be realistic. It is a big deal for Croatia to be at the World Cup, we will take it step by step and do the best we can.”

Kovacic has been in great form for the Blues in the last year or so. Injuries have curtailed his progress this season, but whenever he is on the pitch, the team has looked good. He would form a great midfield partnership with Modric and Brozovic for the World Cup.

Chelsea may keep a close eye on how Gvardiol does at the biggest stage before possibly making a move for him in January or next summer.

Kovacic came off the bench against Arsenal in a disappointing defeat on Sunday. Blues manager Graham Potter would be hoping to start the 28-year-old on Saturday against Newcastle United and finish off the first half of the season on a high.

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The midfielder would also be hoping to have a full game under his belt before flying with the national team to Qatar. In a tournament-style setup, teams have to be on their toes from game one. Hence, players have to have the rhythm and fitness to carry on their mid-season club form to the showpiece event.