Garth Crooks has backed Mateo Kovacic to become a key player for Chelsea after his impressive display against Norwich City.
The Croatian midfielder moved to Stamford Bridge on a permanent deal this summer but the Blues have yet to see what he has to offer on a consistent basis.
However an impressive display against Norwich City really caught the eye as the midfielder dominated the midfield and looked like a player who could really play a key part in Chelsea's midfield.
Selecting his team of the week for the BBC, Crooks said he was impressed with the former Real Madrid star, and backed him to be Chelsea's next real leader.
He said: "Since the departures of Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack, John Terry and Frank Lampard, Chelsea have lacked leadership on the pitch.
"The arrival of Mateo Kovacic at Stamford Bridge didn't convince me that anything had changed until his performance against Norwich.
"In the absence of N'Golo Kante, the Croatia international looked immense. I knew he could tackle, compete and was full of enthusiasm but I didn't think he could play.
"Every time I watch him at Stamford Bridge, he plays the ball everywhere apart from where it should have gone.
"His performance against Norwich proved he is much better than that. His manger Lampard may have discovered a player here."
