Chelsea aren't short of quality in their midfield this season.

There's still plenty of debate surrounding the club's defence and even their strikeforce, but there's no doubting that Maurizio Sarri has some incredible options in the centre of the park.

Jorginho has become a constant fixture in the Chelsea team, following his manager to west London from Napoli and playing a crucial role in implementing the style of 'Sarri-ball.'

Meanwhile, N'Golo Kante has continued to provide solid performances for the Blues despite a revised role in the midfield and was given a bumper new contract just this week.

However, it's the third and final central midfield position that has caused so much debate with Ross Barkley, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mateo Kovacic all vying for the same place.

Sarri's midfield dilemma

And what makes the situation so difficult for Sarri is the fact that all three players have performed well this season.

Despite bagging himself a hat-trick in the Europa League, Loftus-Cheek has been the most unlucky of the trio and Barkley currently holds the upper-hand after a run of impressive showings.

As a result, Chelsea fans are left wondering where Kovacic fits into the equation having started the majority of games in September and October as well as returning to fitness this week.

Video of Kovacic's highlights so far

Supporters have certainly been positive about his performances on loan from Real Madrid, but does he deserve to start over Loftus-Cheek and Barkley?

Well, one way for people to decide is by looking back at Kovacic's first 15 appearances for the club and a video of his season highlights has already emerged on YouTube.

For a player so often misunderstood, the video provides a clear focus on what Kovacic has offered to the team this season and it's an interesting watch. Check it out below:

Barkley needs to be looking over his shoulder, that's for sure.

The highlights show how under-appreciated Kovacic's influence can often be, with the Croatian providing incisive runs from the midfield and also tracking back with vital challenges.

Perhaps the major criticism with Kovacic is his lack of goals, something that can't be said of Barkley and Loftus-Cheek, but his impact elsewhere can't be underestimated.

Playing alongside more defensively-minded midfielders in Jorginho and Kante won't make it easy for Kovacic, though, as long as the goal drought continues.

Fans will have to keep their fingers crossed that he can rediscover the attacking nous that saw him become such an offensive threat at Inter Milan.

Nevertheless, the 24-year-old has certainly come on leaps and bounds since stagnating with Real Madrid and has adapted impressively to Premier League football.

At the end of the day, though, it's only good news for Chelsea fans when three in-form players are all battling for the same position.

Who would you rather play - Loftus-Cheek, Barkley or Kovacic? Have your say in the comments section below.