It's safe to say there was some surprise when Mateo Kovacic did not start for Chelsea vs Real Madrid. The Croatian midfielder only featured for 26 minutes against Brentford in the Premier League at the weekend, which many would have considered as part of the preparation for Carlo Ancelotti's side.
It was N'Golo Kante and Jorginho - the Italian also only came from the bench against the Bees - who got the nod at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening as Thomas Tuchel opted for the same midfield pairing that started against Los Blancos in last season's semi-final.
The German coach spoke highly of the 27-year-old heading into the Champions League clash, reflecting on Kovacic's journey to a key player, having previously been a rotation option during his time in Madrid, with Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Luka Modric to usurp. Though, the latter ultimately sees him as his heir internationally.
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Tuchel said: "Yes, but I think he's still completing it. He looks totally like a wonderkid in training, in some exercises. He had an outstanding training session today. He's a fantastic character, a lovely person, a humble guy, so interested in sport, so happy to train and deliver for the team. I was following his career, you could see there was a next step coming and I was sure he had what it takes to make it.
"I'm so happy to have him, he's crucial to us both on and off the pitch. Brought up as a team player, knows what it takes, what culture is needed in a big club."
When will that next step see him secure his place in Chelsea's first choice XI, however? Kovacic has arguably been Tuchel's best midfielder during this season and his absence towards the latter end of 2021 was sorely felt. The Croatian's mobility with and without the ball is an asset and his ability to navigate tight spaces is a quality few players have.
His introduction in the second half saw him begin to dictate play, with his 55 passes only falling behind defenders and Jorginho as he more than tripled Kante's output. Nevertheless, the midfielder did not escape Tuchel's ire as his German coach repeatedly urged Kovacic and others to position themselves higher up the pitch.
The ex-Real Madrid ace could not change the game as his former side went 3-1 up within seconds of his introduction, but was generally composed and created a presence in the centre of the pitch - although the opposition were in a stronger position to sit deep.
Kante's Champions League exploits in the last 12 months make him difficult to leave out of any big match, while Jorginho's assist for Kai Havertz shows the value he has in addition to his ability to set the tempo. Both players finished in the top five of the Ballon D'or and have earned a reputation among Europe's elite and have the reputation to match.
Kovacic should be seen as no less impressive but has started just one of Chelsea's last five Premier League games and played no more than 51 minutes of the Blues' Champions League matches since the turn of the year. His only start in a midfield two in those three European matches, in the first leg against Lille, came in one of the west London's more impressive displays this season.
As things stand, Kante and Jorginho are out of contract at the end of 2023, and Kovacic may soon become the Blues' leading midfielder when there is no choice. His talents must be utilised before that point. After the opening 45 minutes at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, something needs to change in midfield for the trip to the Bernabeu next Tuesday and Kovacic is the obvious choice.
He's proved a leader against the likes of Liverpool this season, set the tone for youngsters to aspire to in training and must be allowed to firmly take the next step Tuchel spoke of.
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