Thomas Tuchel backs Chelsea star Kalidou Koulibaly to follow in the footsteps of Thiago Silva
While speaking in an interview as quoted by the Mirror, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has suggested that Kalidou Koulibaly can play well into his thirties and follow in the footsteps of fellow centre-back Thiago Silva.
Koulibaly completed a £34m move to Chelsea from Napoli, signing a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge before flying out to Las Vegas to join the Blues’ tour of the US. His arrival hands Tuchel an alternative to Thiago Silva who was Chelsea’s lone experienced defender following the exits of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Koulibaly, who is 31 years old, was given a four-year contract in west London, which is pretty unusual since Chelsea rarely gave such contacts during the Roman Abramovich era. Tuchel was questioned regarding the possibility that Koulibaly would emulate Silva and continue to play well into his late 30s.
Following Chelsea’s 2-1 victory in their first pre-season friendly of the trip against Club America – a game in which Koulibaly did not feature – Tuchel expressed his delight for the new signing and suggested that the Senegalese can emulate the same success of Silv and enjoy a lengthy career.
“It’s nice that he takes the challenge right now. And we have Thiago Silva, who is even older and super-experienced and still at the peak of his game. We hope Koulibaly can do the same and play for many years for us. He is totally fit and ready for the challenge and he needs to be because we need him in top shape.”
Although Koulibaly has long been among the top centre-backs in Serie A, he has yet to take the next significant step in his professional development. For the Senegalese defender to experience success with a prestigious club, it may be now or never at the age of 31, as he may soon be a bit too old.
Anyone who has watched the Senegalese player play knows that he loves to advance with the ball at his feet, and Rudiger did this up until last season with tremendous success. It might be one of the factors motivating Tuchel to recruit the skilled Senegalese international.
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However, the Blues should keep his age in mind. Koulibaly, who is 31 years old, won’t get any younger, and his performance will eventually deteriorate. He might be a terrific temporary cure, but he’s absolutely not the best option over the long haul.
However, the Blues didn’t have the luxury to continue their negotiations for too long given the situation Chelsea are in. As it is, Koulibaly would be a fantastic signing, and that is all that matters.