Chelsea are often accused of hoarding young talent in order to stop their rivals from strengthening. The sheer number of players they have out on loan suggests the accusation may hold some weight but in Kurt Zouma they look to have found a gem ready for the first team.
A quick, strong defender, Zouma has been given a series of starts in pre-season and appears set for a role in Jose Mourinho's squad for the upcoming campaign.
The departure of David Luiz to PSG for £40m has freed up space in a previously congested defence and Zouma could be the main beneficiary.
Signed from St Etienne and immediately loaned back in January, the Frenchman has all the tools to become a world-class defender, his precocious talent allied by a calm, composed demeanour.
Though he is likely to be used primarily as a rotation option in 2014-15, the experience gleaned from watching the likes of John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic will stand him in good stead as he continues his development.
Should he live up to his billing, Chelsea could have another big-money defender on their hands.
A quick, strong defender, Zouma has been given a series of starts in pre-season and appears set for a role in Jose Mourinho's squad for the upcoming campaign.
The departure of David Luiz to PSG for £40m has freed up space in a previously congested defence and Zouma could be the main beneficiary.
Signed from St Etienne and immediately loaned back in January, the Frenchman has all the tools to become a world-class defender, his precocious talent allied by a calm, composed demeanour.
Though he is likely to be used primarily as a rotation option in 2014-15, the experience gleaned from watching the likes of John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic will stand him in good stead as he continues his development.
Should he live up to his billing, Chelsea could have another big-money defender on their hands.