Jose Mourinho is expected to take the opportunity to rotate his Chelsea squad against Sporting on Wednesday night given that Champions League top spot has already been secured in Group G. That presents a chance for Kurt Zouma to show more of his considerable potential…
Wednesday 10 December 2014 09:02, UK
Gary Cahill’s head injury presented a chance for Kurt Zouma to make his first Premier League appearance in front of his home crowd at Stamford Bridge last week.
The game against Tottenham was still in the balance when the switch was made at half-time but there should have been no need for concern. The new man looked at ease.
“It was a good opportunity for Zouma,” said Jose Mourinho of his £12.5million January signing from St Etienne when speaking to reporters at his post-match press conference. “Under pressure, 2-0 against Tottenham, good players and a good offensive team.
“It was very good for him. He’s playing well every time he plays. He played Champions League against Maribor and a Capital One Cup game. It was a real test and I’m so happy with his evolution since he arrived. He’ll be a big player for Chelsea for many years.”
Such has been the form of Cahill alongside captain John Terry that Zouma has had to be patient in waiting for opportunities. But Cahill’s culpability for the opening goal in the defeat to Newcastle at the weekend should serve as a reminder that for all the praise heaped on Chelsea’s defence so far this season, they cannot afford to take their places for granted.
Cahill certainly isn’t. He knows the quality of the youngster waiting for his turn. “He is a big guy, powerful, good in the air, a fantastic talent for one so young,” says Cahill. “Every time he has been asked to play he has done really well and he gives the manager another option. You never feel at this club that the shirt is your own.”
That’s the shirt Zouma is targeting. He has the physical assets, as shown on his debut against Bolton when he scored in what Chelsea assistant Steve Holland called an “immaculate” display. His 9.5 clearances per game for St Etienne last season hint at this no-nonsense approach. Cahill and Terry, while brilliant in that regard, make around six clearances each per game for Chelsea.
Of course, it’s also an indicator that there’s a different style to adopt at Chelsea and Zouma will need to show ball-playing qualities as well. Even so, Mourinho is a manager who favours the stopper centre-back and a low defensive block. Allowing David Luiz to leave and replacing him with Zouma is surely an example of this Chelsea squad becoming more of a Mourinho team.
Evidently, this is not just another young player foisted upon the manager only to spend his days in the development squad. Mourinho called Zouma personally in an attempt to secure the deal and appears convinced that a big future lies ahead. The Chelsea boss has even pointed to the progression of Raphael Varane, Zouma’s compatriot at Real Madrid, as an inspiration.
“[Mourinho] told me, ‘Varane, I made him start straightaway against City. You have to be ready at any time’. When I was at Saint-Etienne and I didn't play, I immediately got annoyed,” Zouma told L’Equipe. “But I've learned. Now, there are experienced players, stars in my position, and they do very good work. I take my time. I learn alongside these defenders. I know my time will come.”
With Chelsea already assured of top spot in their Champions League group and their lead in the Premier League reduced to just three points, the next chance to impress is likely to come against Sporting on Wednesday. Zouma’s arrival may have been low key so far but another strong display will reassure Chelsea fans that the future of the defence is every bit as bright as the present.
