Timo Werner has reacted very positively to Chelsea completing the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly over the weekend.
The Blues confirmed on Saturday morning they’ve signed 31-year-old Koulibaly from Napoli, with the colossus defender committing to a four-year deal at Stamford Bridge.
With defensive exits for Chelsea during the course of the summer, it’s looked a no-brainer for the club to strengthen the backline.
Koulibaly, who enjoyed eight imperious years with Napoli, is now ready to tackle the Premier League for the first time in his career.
The experienced centre-back has always looked well suited to the English game with his pace and power, so there’s understandably a lot of excitement within the fanbase about his arrival.
Werner celebrates Koulibaly signing
Chelsea attacker Werner, 26, has expressed his delight that Koulibaly is now his teammate.
He points out the importance of bringing in a top centre-half, who he’s tipping to be crucial in the new 2022/23 campaign.
“I think he’s a brilliant defender, so he will give us the strength at the back, what we need after a lot of players left us in the defence,” Werner said.
“A very good signing for the club… He brings exactly what we need.”
Rudiger 2.0
Let’s hope Koulibaly is able to step right into the footsteps of Antonio Rudiger.
29-year-old centre-back Rudiger, who left in the summer to join Real Madrid, was so integral to the Chelsea defence in Thomas Tuchel’s system. His aggression and physicality meant he so often bullied opponents.
In fairness, Koulibaly does have plenty of similar traits, albeit he’s untested in the Premier League.
The Senegal international should settle well into the dressing room alongside familiar faces Edouard Mendy and Jorginho, while Raheem Sterling is the other newcomer to the squad so far this summer.
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