Chelsea star Kalidou Koulibaly sends congratulatory message to Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
While speaking in an interview as quoted by Football.London, Chelsea forward Timo Werner has heaped praise on new signing Kalidou Koulibaly.
Following the free releases of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen to Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively, Chelsea needed to bolster its defence and that’s why Kalidou Koulibaly has been signed by the Blues early on Saturday morning.
The Senegalese joined the West London team from Serie A club Napoli following the conclusion of a £33 million deal.
Werner reacted to Koulibaly’s acquisition by claiming that the Senegalese international would give Thomas Tuchel’s team strength at the back, which is precisely what Chelsea requires.
“I think he’s a brilliant defender. So, he will give us the strength in the back, which is what we need after a lot of players left us in the defence. So, I think he’s a very good signing for the club. I think he brings exactly what we need.”
Since moving to Naples from Belgian club KRC Genk, Koulibaly has spent an extraordinary eight years there and has made a name for himself as one of the best centre-backs in the world.
Some athletes are so talented that their age doesn’t matter. When Thiago Silva joined Chelsea at the age of 35, many didn’t envisage that he would help the team win the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Koulibaly, one of the best defenders in the world, could very well have a similar impact. The international from Senegal, who took home the AFCON earlier this year, is blocking Napoli’s goal.
He appears to love defending and is not afraid to throw himself into tackles. He may be an effective signing for the Blues, one that can soften the damage caused by the exits of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger in the summer.
In addition to that, in Chelsea uniforms, Koulibaly and fellow countryman Edouard Mendy might duplicate the effective GK-CB connection that they have shown for the Senegal national side.
Hence, Werner’s verdict could turn true and he could form a good relationship with the Senegalese international on the pitch, which could bring further success to Chelsea.
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