Mateo Kovacic was named Chelsea's player of the year in the 2019/20 campaign, however this has been a different season.
The Croatian was a key part of Frank Lampard's first season in charge of the Blues, playing the majority of the season in the midfield three.
However, this season the 26-year-old has struggled to get regular game time throughout the start of the campaign.
Kovacic has started just two Premier League games, with another appearance off the bench and starting one of the two Champions League games.
It's an interesting development around the Croatian and he appears to have been the big casualty from the new signings.
Lampard has used the 4-2-3-1 formation, and when he has done that then it has mainly been the partnership of Jorginho and N'Golo Kante being used.
In the 3-0 victory over Burnley, Lampard moved to a 4-3-3 and he had Kante in the holding role, with Mason Mount and Kai Havertz either side of him.
The three worked well in tandem and there was an excellent balance to the side.
"Now, we are playing in a slightly different way and there have been a number of positives," Lampard said.
"That doesn't mean that we can't change back. It is great to see what it did for Kai and Mason today is to bring those attributes in what we regard as really offensive players but when they have the energy and desire to cover ground to help the team.
"Then pick the ball up and be dangerous when they arrive high, they are both things that Kai and Mason have.
"Again, it is through the balance of the team and working on that but I am really impressed with the humility and humility of those two to do both sides of the number 8 role.
!That's what I want from the players that play when it is two number eights. I want them to help build offensively, join, help build, make assists and get goals. They both did it today."
It's where Kovacic will now struggle to get back into the side as the Croatian does not give the same attacking intent as Mount and Havertz.
However, when the Blues take on some of the 'bigger' teams, then Kovacic's experience and ability to drive through the midfield will be essential.
But for now, Kovacic will be struggling to get back into the starting XI on a regular basis.
