Thomas Tuchel believes Kalidou Koulibaly can be Chelsea's next Thiago Silva
The defender, who has long been linked with a move to Premier League rivals Manchester United, has joined from Napoli on a lengthy deal - and Tuchel is very pleased
Kalidou Koulibaly, the new Chelsea defender, has been given a four-year contract because the club sees him as the next Thiago Silva.
This week, the Blues hope to add two more top defenders in Sevilla's Jules Kounde and PSG's Presnel Kimpembe. But it was the 31-year-old colossus Koulibaly, who was introduced before the game, who wowed fans at the Las Vegas Allegiant stadium in Nevada on Saturday night.
The 31-year-old hulk has signed a four-year contract with Stamford Bridge. He stood on the sidelines as his new team cruised to a 2-1 victory over Club America. The length of his contract goes against Chelsea's normal policy for players over 30. Tuchel, on the other hand, believes Koulibaly will be able to match Silva's 37-year-old leadership, organization, and quality well into his thirties.
"It's lovely that he's taking the possibility right now," Blues manager said. "And then there's Thiago Silva, who is even older, more experienced, and still at the top of his game." We hope Koulibaly can do the same and play for us for many years.
"He is completely fit and ready for the challenge, and he needs to be because we need him to be in peak condition."
Silva was judged profit to needs two years ago when he was allowed to join Chelsea for free. A year later, he led the west Londoners to the Champions League, followed by the Club World Cup. He's also appeared in two FA Cup finals and one League Cup final.
Koulibaly was permitted to leave Napoli during this window but since he had only a year left on his contract and was adamant about not signing a new contract. Instead of letting the Senegal international leave for free in a year's time, the Italian club decided to cash in during this window.
Meanwhile, Tuchel has urged Conor Gallagher, the club's rookie midfielder, to build on his promising start to life in the first team squad after an impressive 45 minutes on Saturday. The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace but told his parent club's manager at the end of the season that he wanted to play in the first team rather than return to Selhurst Park.
Tuchel continued, "It was a very good start and a good match for him." "Now he must get used to our game principles, understanding when to move and when not to move." His work rate is exceptional, and he has a big heart. He has the potential to be a valuable asset to us.
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