According to Wednesday’s print edition of L’Equipe (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness), Tottenham Hotspur are showing interest in recruiting Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma this summer. The same source has also mentioned that Spurs boss Jose Mourinho views the move ‘favourably’ and wants Daniel Levy to acquire his signature in this off-season. However, it is believed that the North London outfit could face competition from Everton in pursuit of the French centre-back (via Sport Witness).
Zouma’s Impressive Form At The English Capital This Season
The Lyon-born talent has enjoyed a solid season at Stamford Bridge after producing a string of commanding displays at the heart of Frank Lampard’s backline. He has featured in 33 matches for the West London giants, registering one goal and three assists across all competitions.
On the defensive end, Zouma has performed remarkably well as evidenced by his average of 1.0 tackles, 1.9 interceptions and 4.0 clearances per game in the Premier League this season. He has also been quite tidy with his ball-distribution after completing 87.3% of his attempted passes in league football so far (stats via whoscored).
The former Stoke City defender has also earned five senior caps for the French national team, scoring one goal for his country in the process. If Zouma can show some signs of progress in the upcoming campaign, then he should have a decent shot of being named in Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps’ squad for next year’s UEFA European Championship finals.
What Will The French Defensive Ace Add To Jose Mourinho’s Side?
Zouma can use his pace and quickness to make a few essential recovering runs at the back. He is a capable defender inside his own half as he can pull off some vital interceptions and last-gasp clearances for his side. The Frenchman is also not shy of putting his body on the line when attempting to stop a goal-bound shot from the opposition.
Recruiting Zouma This Summer: Good Move For Spurs?
At 25, Zouma is about to enter the peak of his playing career which a club like Tottenham could look to benefit from in the coming seasons. He will not only add more defensive stability to Jose Mourinho’s backline but also improve the overall quality of his first-team. Plus, the Chelsea centre-half will offer some healthy competition for Toby Alderweireld, Davinson Sanchez and Japhet Tanganga at North London next season, considering Jan Vertonghen leaves at the end of the season.
All in all, adding a defender of Zouma’s qualities will be a wise move for Spurs as he will help them compete for major trophies in the years to come. Even though he is primarily a centre-back, yet he can also fill in as a right-back if needed. His incredible versatility, coupled with his excellent defensive skill set, makes him a decent signing for Tottenham to consider before the start of the new campaign.
