Chelsea FC’s young centerback Kurt Zouma has played a much bigger role this season than initially expected. He was mostly expected to be a part time squad player and feature in mostly low-key domestic cup matches but has instead played in his fair share of big games for the Blues. Zouma spoke recently with ChelseaFC.com and he described how he is “living the dream” by playing for Chelsea as much as he has.
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The young Frenchman has made 20 appearances for Chelsea FC this season, five of them as a substitute, but he has been trusted to play in big matches and in new roles. With Nemanja Matic suspended for the League Cup final and John Obi Mikel out with a knee injury, some thought that Jose Mourinho would deploy Nathan Ake or Oscar in that in that deep role but he opted for Zouma instead.
It was the first cup final Zouma has played in with Chelsea FC and it was in central midfield. The youngster looked a bit out of sorts initially but settled in nicely and helped shut out a dynamic Tottenham attack. He did so well in the role that he was brought on to replace Nemanja Matic late in the Champions League knockout round against PSG.
Kurt Zouma on living the dream with Chelsea FC:
"“My dream was first to play for Chelsea and then to win all the titles I can win. Now, I am in the dressing room with a lot of very good players – I am living the dream.“When you play for Chelsea, you have to be ready for anything. If you play with nervousness in your mind, you cannot play very well, but if you can play with pace and stay calm at the same time, you will do very well in England, I think.“I learn every time I play and that is what I wanted when I signed here. So I am very happy because we are a really good squad, with a really good manager, and we are doing good things together.”"
Zouma’s performance in the League Cup final earned him some comparisons with former Chelsea FC standout Marcel Desailly. Desailly is credited with teaching John Terry the ropes of central defense and now Terry is passing along that knowledge. Zouma deflected the praise and was adamant that he cannot be compared to the Chelsea FC and France legend but he may one day get there.
Chelsea FC have found an absolute gem in the big and physical Zouma. He has incredible athleticism and pace and is learning under the best centerback to ever play in the Premier League. Kurt Zouma may be living the dream by playing for Chelsea FC but he has given his all to make sure that dream came true.
Next: Meet The Men Who Have Played For And Managed The Blues