Kovacic volley voted January 2022 Budweiser Goal of the Month

Mateo Kovacic has won January 2022's Budweiser Goal of the Month award with his spectacular long-range volley against Liverpool.

The 29-year-old Chelsea midfielder produced a stunning first-time effort as he back-pedalled to connect with the ball after Marcos Alonso’s free-kick had been punched clear by Caoimhin Kelleher.

How did Kovacic sum it up in three words? "Technique, luck, happiness!"

His brilliance started Chelsea's recovery from being 2-0 down as they claimed a point in an exciting 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

'Best goal of my career'

"I'm surprised," Kovacic said. "I didn't think my name would be there, but luckily I scored a really nice goal against Liverpool and I'm very happy to win such an amazing award.

"I was thinking to avoid the counter-attack from Liverpool and to try and shoot on target, which was very difficult because the ball was very high in the air. I made a good hit and luckily it went in.

"It was a difficult shot and it was my best goal, because it was also a very important game against Liverpool in the Premier League." 

The Croat is the first Chelsea player to claim the award since Eden Hazard in April 2019.

Kovacic's goal was chosen ahead of seven other contenders by a panel of experts combined with a public vote.

2021/22 Budweiser Goal winners

August: Danny Ings (AVL)
September: Andros Townsend (EVE)
October: Mohamed Salah (LIV)
November: Rodri (MCI)
December: Alexandre Lacazette (ARS)
January: Mateo Kovacic (CHE)
February: Wilfried Zaha (CRY)
March: Cristiano Ronaldo (MUN)

Also in this series

Part 1: De Gea wins EA SPORTS Player of the Month award
Part 2: Lage named Barclays Manager of the Month