Former Aston Villa captain Gabby Agbonlahor believes Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic is actually really underrated and doesn’t get the credit he truly deserves.

Kovacic was at his dazzling best earlier this week when Chelsea defeated RB Salzburg 2-1 in the Champions League.

The Croatian international was too hot to handle in the centre of midfield for Salzburg, influencing the match with his quality and directness on the ball.

The former Real Madrid star also scored an outrageous left-footed strike that he guided into the top corner from the edge of the box.

“Kovacic is that player that doesn’t get the plaudits he deserves." Whenever he’s on the ball, he always wants to play, always wants the ball in any position.

He’s very good at running with the ball as well. If he can add more goals, he’ll be even better for Chelsea, "Agbonlahor told talkSPORT.