Since the start of the season, Kurt Zouma is back in favor at Chelsea, where he is an indisputable holder in the Premier League and the Champions League.
Announced on the start throughout the summer, the native of Lyon was promised a place on the bench after the arrival of Thiago Silva, intended to form a pair with Andreas Christensen in the central axis.
This was the case during the first match of the Brazilian captain but the faults observed in the only match not played by the French, pushed the Danish international on the bench in favor of the former Stéphanois.
Now, the elderly French defender no longer leaves the axis, with Silva at his side (ten of the eleven matches played in all competitions).
Its consistency inevitably results in impressive statistics.
Imperial in the air game thanks to his explosive size and his sense of timing, the central defender excels even more at the start of the season.
Proof of this is that the Frenchman has simply won 96.3% of his aerial duels in the Premier League according to the International Center for the Study of Sport (CIES), more than any other player in Europe.
Unbelievable.
"He must stay at this level and he will remain very important for the team"
Frank Lampard on Kurt Zouma
A statistic which does not however surprise his coach Frank Lampard.
“I saw this statistic for aerial duels but I am not surprised.
Granted, that's a great stat, but he needs to stay at that level and he will remain very important to the team.
During our pre-season, we worked particularly on the defense in our area, this is a point on which we could have been better last year, ”explained the English technician, still as perfectionist.
In the 2019-2020 season, the London club's defense was the worst in the Top 10, while Chelsea are so far the 3rd best defense this season.
Above all, the Blues have conceded only one goal in the last 7 meetings in all competitions.
Secured by the arrivals of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and experienced defender Thiago Silva at Chelsea, the former Stéphanois has taken a new step this season in several areas.
Unprecedented offensive efficiency
He first gained confidence and showed signs of progress, especially on his recovery, one of his faults in the past (91.2% of successful passes in England this year, 80.6% in his first season ).
But above all, he discovered the qualities of a scorer.
The French international has already scored three goals this season, at the same time beating his record for achievements in a single year.
3 - Kurt Zouma has scored three goals in six @premierleague games in 2020-21 - his best ever tally in any season in the competition.
Source.
# BURCHEpic.twitter.com / D7NVch8gpb
- OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 31, 2020
The praise of Franck Lampard
Even his coach says he is impressed by his current form.
“I'm really impressed with Kurt, and what he's given us.
He scores goals and defends well on set pieces.
He's been here for a long time but he suffered injuries which made his career difficult.
His loans (Stoke, Everton, NDLR) were successful.
There were some obstacles in his path, but Kurt is a great professional who wants to do everything right.
I have been very satisfied with his attitude since I have been here.
We must continue ”, insisted Frank Lampard.
It is now up to Kurt Zouma to confirm this season, starting with the match against Rennes this Tuesday evening at 6:55 p.m. in the Champions League.
The Rennais struggling offensively (four games in a row without scoring) are warned and know the great difficulty of scoring a goal for the Blues Zouma at the moment.
Read also
Champions League 2020/2021 standings
