Chelsea new boy Kalidou Koulibaly has earned a rave review from his time at former club Napoli.
The Blues completed the signing of defender Koulibaly this summer from Napoli for £33million, which looks like it could end up being a total bargain.
Aged 31, he’s moved to Stamford Bridge at the peak of his powers.
For certain, he looks like being the like-for-like replacement for Antonio Rudiger that’s desperately needed in Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
Kalidou Koulibaly quality
A chief scout from the Italian Serie A league has spoken very highly when discussing Koulibaly in a report to ESPN.
One chief scout wrote: “What weak points? It is difficult [to find any]. He’s one of the best around in his position. He just keeps getting better and better, especially the mental side of his game — even the concentration lapses are now few and far between.”
Koulibaly, who’s been linked with a switch to the Premier League for many years, is finally going to get the chance to prove himself in England.
The powerful centre-back fits the profile of someone that can succeed with his pace, strength and reading of the game. It’s very exciting for Blues fans to hear the Senegal international keeps getting better, too.
There’s a minority concerned the ex-Napoli centre-half is 30-plus, but they should just look towards what a 37-year-old Thiago Silva is doing in the Chelsea backline.
Proven talent
Yes, there’s the small cloud hanging over Koulibaly that’s he is yet to play in the Premier League.
However, there’s no denying how brilliant he’s been during an eight-year spell in Naples, which has included proving himself on the European stage on a regular basis.
His new manager was singing his praises recently in an interview, so expect him to play a major role in the XI when the new season rolls around at the start of next month.
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