In a recent report, Diario de Sevilla mentioned that Chelsea are ‘very keen’ on Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde this summer. It is believed that the Blues are open to using Kurt Zouma as a makeweight to get a deal done for the French defender during this summer transfer window (via Diario de Sevilla).
Kounde’s Impressive Numbers In Spanish Football Last Season
Kounde gave a good account of himself on the defensive end of the field for the Spanish outfit last season. The 22-year-old featured in 49 matches for the Andalusian outfit in the previous campaign, scoring four goals and securing one assist across multiple competitions.
The French sensation was a top performer at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium as he averaged 0.8 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 2.9 clearances, 0.6 shots and 0.9 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga. He was even tidy when distributing possession from the back based on his pass completion rate of 90.1% in the Spanish top-flight (stats via whoscored).
Kounde has taken great strides towards improving himself over the past 18 months, so the Blues can expect him to make an instant impact at Stamford Bridge if they can secure his signature before the transfer window slams shut at the end of next month.
What Will The French Defensive Ace Add To Tuchel’s Team?
Kounde has got terrific defensive awareness that helps him make some important interceptions inside his half. He is usually quick to react to the danger and doesn’t take too many risks with his clearances. The two-time France international is a composed presence on the ball and excels at playing his way out from the back.
At 22, he has the potential to become one of the best centre-backs in European football as long as he can work hard towards improving himself on the training ground. Furthermore, the Paris-born youngster is primarily a central defender but can also fill in as a right-back if needed.
An experienced man-manager like Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel could unlock the best out of Kounde in the coming seasons. The Sevilla star will add a lot of quality to the West London club’s backline and could serve as an upgrade over Kurt Zouma, who was sometimes inconsistent with his performances for the Blues last season.
Kounde is already good enough to rival Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Thiago Silva for a place in Tuchel’s starting XI in the upcoming campaign. All in all, the La Liga defender will be an ideal long-term acquisition for the reigning European champions in this off-season as he could help them compete for even more silverware over the next few years.
