Chelsea FC Defeat Porto: 5 Things We Learned
2. Kurt Zouma Is Terrifying And Attackers Know It
Attackers clutching forearms to chests and twisting their bodies as if trying to fit into refrigerators has become a frequent sight when Kurt Zouma is barreling. At 6’3” and 200lbs, he’s a monument of a man; though gifted with the agility and athleticism of someone much lighter.
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He’s also very, very unafraid. Zouma charges at headers as if the ball is trespassing. He’s not afraid to go to ground when there’s a ball within reach and he seems to be able to measure his length within millimeters. Both he and Matic stretch out to get disruptive touches when it seems the player is about to go in behind them.
There was no better evidence of this than on what looked to be Porto’s best chance of the night. In the 76th minute a ball was slipped into forward Jesús Corona, taking him in behind Big Kurt on the turn and into a one-on-one with Courtois.
Except that last part didn’t happen…like at all.
Zouma’s alarm went off. Whipping around with intent to atone, he was level with the attacker within three strides. After five he was positioned between the man and the ball and the referee was whistling for a foul on Corona. Suddenly a one-on-one scoring chance was twisted into a forward amusingly using Zouma’s shoulders to spring himself to the proper elevation to see the ball that, seconds prior, was the only thing between him and the Chelsea keeper.
A heart in throat moment turned into an amusing highlight because one of our defenders did a good thing. That hasn’t happened in a while.
Next: 3. Chelsea Are Better Without Fabregas