Why Kurt Zouma Is Not The Man Who Stoke City Should Look At
After a decent season that Mark Hughes helped at the Bet 365 Stadium in 2015-16, the Potters failed to keep up with the challenges of the top flight, finishing 13th last season in the points table. The manager is looking to make some additions to the squad to make sure that they can improve their performances from the previous season.
There were a number of under performers throughout the season, which stopped the progress of the club, but one player who had a decent season at the Bet 365 was Dutch international Bruno Martins Indi. The Porto star was on loan last season and has terminated his contract with his previous club. Reports suggest that he could be snapped up by Crystal Palace soon.
This has pushed Hughes into the search of a first choice central defender and Chelsea’s up and coming Kurt Zouma seems to be the preferred choice. The 22-year old French international is one of the most exciting defenders in the domestic arena in France but he has been unlucky with injuries, failing to establish himself in the first team at Stamford Bridge.
Known for his strength and aerial ability, Zouma is a dominant defender who is more effective with the head than he is with his feet. Though not too bad a passer, Zouma is not a player who loves to have the ball at his feet but he more than makes up for it with his ability to read the game.
At just 22, he has all the potential in the world to become one of the best in his position and Antonio Conte, the current Chelsea manager Chelsea manager, knows as much and is offer him a new deal and send him out on loan.
Zouma is still raw for Conte’s liking and thus a loan move for the Frenchman does make sense after all. Stoke City are a club that rely on their ability to keep the ball for long periods and it is a bit strange that they are after Zouma, who is a no nonsense defender.
Zouma’s exposure and his ability to stay alert make him perfect for the Premier League and Hughes will surely improve his defence with Zouma in his side. But with the market wide open and money to spend, he should rather be looking at a defender who fits his style of play better than the Chelsea man.