The acclaimed French international Kurt Zouma has been fundamental in Chelsea's success since his arrival and loan spell from French club AS Saint-Étienne in 2014. His overwhelming pace for a tall, well-built man, slide tackling ability and precise stand tackles have made him a force to reckon with in the Barclays Premier League.
Onwards and upwards
Zouma, halfway through this league campaign, has earned the edge over England veteran Gary Cahill alongside Chelsea legend John Terry. Although Roman Abramovich's men are a way off the side that were crowned 2014-2015 Premier League champions and also claimed the Capital One Cup, they are unbeaten in four matches heading into the second week of 2016.
The reigning Chelsea Young Player of the Year relayed to the official newsletter how he is "very proud to be at Chelsea" and feels that he has "improved a lot".
2015 was a success for Zouma "on a personal level" with his increased playing time that contributed to playing "in some big games".
Furthermore, Zouma revealed a personal favorite moment for him so far while wearing the Chelsea crest. Of course, what is a spectacular career without an outstanding performance against rivals? So it was quite the occasion against Arsenal, when Zouma scored his first league goal. He described it as "one of the best in my career so far for sure". The poor form at the time caused him to "celebrate the goal in a big way".
For club and country
With EURO 2016 being hosted in France, in which the French won EURO 1984 in the same manner, Zouma hopes that his performances earn himself a call up from Les Bleus for the tournament taking place this upcoming summer. He conveyed his desire for himself to "be there in the squad" because it's a "big year" for the defender.
With the new year going well so far, Zouma looks improve himself in "training and playing games" where he has looked composed and determined to succeed. "Let's keep it up", Zouma affirmed.