The group stages of the World Cup are almost over and already Chelsea's stars have seen some success. Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, Christian Pulisic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Thiago Silva and Edouard Mendy have all helped their respective nations secure their place in the last-16.
Thursday will see Mateo Kovacic attempt to join them after his Croatia side opened up the tournament with a draw against Hakim Ziyech's Morocco side, followed by a 4-1 win over Canada. The 28-year-old midfielder will take on a struggling Belgium side containing the familiar face of Romelu Lukaku.
The forward, on loan at Inter Milan from Chelsea, made his return from injury in the Red Devils defeat against Morocco having missed a large chunk of the season so far. The former Everton and Manchester United striker may yet be relied upon to try and inspire Belgium progression with Kevin De Bruyne, Jan Vertonghen and Thibaut Courtois' side struggling to find any rhythm to the extent progression is in doubt.
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Croatia reached the final of the tournament in 2018, while Roberto Martinez's men made it to the semi-final and claimed third place in the same tournament. With an average age in excess of 30 during their last match, many are of the belief that Belgium may simply have missed their opportunity and are now past their best.
However, despite his difficult time at Chelsea and subsequent fitness struggles upon returning to Inter, Kovacic is under no illusion of the quality Lukaku can bring. Croatia's defence will rely partially on the experience of Dejan Lovren to stop the Belgian star, but many will be looking to the emergence of the next generation in Chelsea target Josko Gvardiol.
The 20-year-old has already impressed in the tournament and became the second player under 21 to start a World Cup match for Croatia, following in the footsteps of Kovacic. The Blues already attempted to price Gvardiol away from RB Leipzig but had their advances quelled by the German club, even when trying to agree a deal for the Crotian to join ahead of 2023/24.
The Blues went as far as getting a verdict from Kovacic on his international teammate and retain their interest however. A €50milion (£43million) release clause is said to come into play in the summer, and a solid performance against Belgium against one of few strikers recognised as truly elite could go a long way in ensuring Chelsea activate that clause. Indeed, stopping Lukaku may even get a cohort of Chelsea supporters onside, given his relationship with them following an ill-fated interview a year ago.
Kovacic is aware of the task that will await his teammate should Lukaku be close to his best, however. The ex-Real Madrid midfielder even went as far as providing some tongue in cheek, but perhaps important advice for his young teammate.
He said in his press conference ahead of the game: "Romelu is a top player, he proved it, he scored many goals. It will be difficult for us, but we are ready to challenge a strong Belgium. A difficult game awaits us. Kevin de Bruyne is perhaps the best player in the Premier League for years. Even when he doesn't have the his day, he can always surprise with a move.
"It's great, we have to keep an eye on it. We have to show our true values. This is the most important thing. What do I recommend to Josko Gvardiol to stop it? This is the manager's job, but I will say... just don't fight him."
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