“Rashford can exploit him”- England backed to target Chelsea star in last 16 World Cup tie

Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly backed to get exposed in Senegal’s World Cup game against England

Speaking ahead of the knockout stages of the World Cup (h/t Football.London), former England defender Martin Keown believes that Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly will be exposed in Senegal’s last-16 tie against the Three Lions.

The African champions will face England on Sunday (December 4) in an intriguing World Cup knockout tie. The winner will face either France or Poland. While Senegal have Koulibaly, England houses Chelsea stars Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, and Raheem Sterling.

Koulibaly has incidentally been in decent form during the tournament. It was his volleyed goal against Ecuador that has brought Senegal this far. So, he should not be short on confidence as well.

But, here’s what Keown thinks will happen when the Chelsea defender faces England (h/t Football.London):

“As a defence, you have to make play predictable, you have to be solid and you have to work together, making sure there’s no holes, communicating with your keeper, your full-backs and your midfield.

“Koulibaly will get exposed one v one without the help he needs around him and that’s when the likes of Marcus Rashford can exploit him.”

It is funny Keown has pointed out specifically that Marcus Rashford can exploit as if the Manchester United man started the first two games. He may do so against Senegal, but we know in big games Gareth Southgate goes back to his tried and tested players. Hence, Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling could get a look back in.

With regards to Koulibaly, he is the leader of the African champions and generally leads by example rather than words. The team has been super-organised so far and has been a threat on the counter despite missing star forward Sadio Mane.

After arriving from Napoli in the summer, Koulibaly made a slow start to life at Chelsea. The red card against Leeds United did not help matters.

But, this sequence of performances on the world stage would give him the much-needed confidence for not only continuing to do well in Qatar but hopefully coming back in Chelsea colours and shining.

More Chelsea News:

• Juventus are eyeing a move for Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy
• Chelsea instantly regretted letting Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku go to Inter Milan in the summer
• Chelsea target and England midfielder Declan Rice issues the most obvious ‘come and get me plea’

We all know how good a player Koulibaly is. Quotes like this may further motivate him to stop England from scoring. As if a player needs more motivation when playing a World Cup game, that too in the knockout stages.