Thursday 16 November 2017 08:37, UK
Ryan Shawcross says he is surprised Chelsea allowed Kurt Zouma to leave on loan as he rates his new Stoke team-mate as "the ultimate defender".
Stoke captain Shawcross has been so impressed with Zouma he has branded him one of the best in the country.
The French international, who has moved to the Potters on a season-long loan from Stamford Bridge, has been an ever-present so far, bar the 90 minutes against his parent club.
Shawcross told The Sentinel: "He's quick, he can jump really high, he can pass the ball, he can shoot, he doesn't get beat one-v-one. He's like the ultimate defender.
"I think Toby Alderweireld and Kurt are the top two centre halves in the country at the moment.
"I wasn't surprised we got him because obviously we've got a good link with Chelsea, but I was surprised they let him go just because they've not had the greatest starts and I really do think he's going to turn out to be one of the top centre halves in the country.
"For them to let him go to us is fantastic for us, but surprising.
"I think Kurt has done brilliantly. He's played a lot of games previously and it's a great test for him to come here."
