Twitter: RT @DebonoSport: Marco Silva:
“I don’t like to talk about Zouma, because he’s not our player. I don’t need to repeat anything about him.… (@theAsianBlue)Twitter: RT @ManagerialMinds: #Quote: Jose Mourinho on the #CFC transfer ban
“I just give an example: Chelsea needs a centre-back – Kurt Zouma! Yo… (@Tm_one_)
As the hours closed in on Thursday afternoon, Evertonians remained resolute in that the one position whose strengthening was compulsory for the upcoming season was at centre-back. However, rumours and reports failed to materialise, leaving Everton with just three senior central defenders leading into the new campaign.
It was clear that, based on last season, Evertonians were focused on only one man for the central defender role – that being Kurt Zouma. During his time on Merseyside, Kurt ‘Happy’ Zouma (Yes, that’s his actual middle name) became a fan favourite through boasting dominating displays at the heart of defence. In 32 appearances, he managed to keep 10 clean sheets with the Toffees, a record which was shared with his counterpart Michael Keane.
Zouma’s sheer physicality is an incredible benefit to withhold. I think it’s fair to say that Everton will struggle to find somebody who can replicate Zouma’s speed and strength. The 24-year old clocked in at a startling 34.94kmh during the 2017/18 season on loan at Stoke City, making him the fourth fastest Premier League defender that year.
However, despite Marcel Brands’ attempts to lure Zouma away from Stamford Bridge, Frank Lampard remained adamant that Zouma was not for sale and that he was very much a part of his plans. Praise of the player from Jose Mourinho also proved to be a deciding factor in the situation, with him making clear to Chelsea via SkySports:
You don’t need to buy, you don’t need to spend. Zouma!
Evidently, Marco Silva is a huge admirer of Zouma too, with him stating in a recent interview:
Our fans’ reaction shows everything about what we as a club and me as a manager think about him.
It’s now up to Yerry Mina to replicate Zouma’s dazzling displays last year and judging on recent performances, they will prove to be very tough shoes to fill. Mina has only featured a handful of times since his arrival at Finch Farm last summer.
It will be interesting to see how the Blues cope without their star-studded centre-half from last season, and we can only hope that it doesn’t prove to be a significant setback in the march of Marco’s army.
