Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma is blasting off as a part of the Blues’ new, revitalized squad in high flight in the Premier League.
Chelsea’s recent run of form is amazing for Blues fans, gratifying for Chelsea’s top brass and most certainly reassuring for young manager Frank Lampard. Even without having his whole squad fit and available, maybe in any game this season, Lampard’s young squad is nevertheless beginning to coalesce. It’s metamorphosing into the team Chelsea fans had hoped for when the excitement of the multitude of top flight signings in the transfer window ended and the games began. One of the reasons for this improvement is a veteran presence—of sorts—in Kurt Zouma.
The young central defender has been with the club since 2013. Yet, at just 26 years old, the Frenchman is a veteran in the Chelsea first team ranks. Now, with the signing of world class talent Thiago Silva, Zouma seems to be finally finding consistency and true excellence in his play. Anyone who doubted the inclusion of the former AC Milan and PSG icon would be of benefit to Chelsea’s back line has had to think again about those misgivings. Any misapprehensions about Silva were totally pointless, his 36 years of age notwithstanding. Silva’s steadying, veteran and world class pedigree have made a world of difference for Zouma, but Silva’s appearance on the scene is not the only reason for the Frenchman’s progression.
Zouma himself is greatly responsible for his emergence, even though Silva has helped his transition from a good player to potentially a top-tier central defender in the world’s best league. Zouma has several personal characteristics that cannot be denied. The first, and most defining, is his ability in the air.
To dub him “Air Zouma” is a fitting moniker. Not only is the 6-foot-2 (190 cm) Zouma a tall and physical presence on the back line, but his vertical leaping ability is immense. Cristiano Ronaldo is reputed to be at—or near—the top of that attribute in footballers, but the guessing here is Zouma is probably not far removed from CR7, if at all. He continually bests opponents by flying over them, seemingly using them as a springboard. The young man can flat out leap, to say the least.
Few have either the elevation or the power in their jump to put off Chelsea’s central defender when leaving the ground. Zouma is among the best—not only of central defenders, but any footballers in the game—in the heading department. In addition to Zouma’s incredible athletic aspects, there is another skill that has begun to be exhibited. He has now begun instinctually making his way to crosses during set pieces and placing them perfectly, resulting in goals. This is new and it was unforeseen, being both a personal and professional development in his game.
Zouma’s inability in the past to put a header on target from corner kicks was noted previously, but through effort, coaching and practice, the young central defender has transformed his ability from essentially shoddy to almost peerless. He’s that good now and that is no accident. This evolution is a credit to the player, the coaches and whoever made this incredible enhancement in the centerback’s game possible. It may be a combination of all of the possible factors, but one thing is certain, “Air Zouma” is no fluke and is here to stay with the Chelsea squad for years to come. One might even say the sky is the limit for Zouma. Seems like there’s no question about it.
What do you think is the most impressive part of Zouma’s game this season? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!