19 year old Kurt Zouma of St Etienne in France, has attracted the attention of several English clubs, most notably Chelsea who are rumoured to have submitted a £11m three days ago.
I hold this player in the highest regard, as do the Guardian who named him in their top ten most promising young talents in Europe. Although uncapped for France, he has been a linchpin for the national youth sides and a sterling performance in the second half of the season, may scrape a place on board the plane to Brazil in June. Last year, French coach Didier Deschamps proclaimed his admiration for the youngster and sees him as a future captain.
On August 31, 2011, Christophe Gaultier handed Zouma his first appearance for Saint Etienne in a 3-1 win against Bordeaux. Throughout that season, he established himself as a rotational player to allow a rest for Faouzi Ghoulam and Sylvan Marchal. In total, he registered 22 appearances for Rhone-Alpes side and scored on 2 occasions. Not a bad first season for a 16 year old.
Again in the following season, the man born in Lyon made 22 appearances for Saint Etienne. However, a knee injury and recurring ankle problems halted his performances in the last season. On the international scene, Zouma was selected for the U20 World Cup and guided France to a maiden victory in Turkey. Making 4 appearances for Les Bleuets, he missed out in playing in the final, but celebrated the victory no doubt.
Although having an slim chance at claiming a place on the French squad, his performances this season have done nothing to hinder his chances to doing that. Making 15 appearances, Zouma has cemented his place at the heart of the Saint Etienne side but an 8 game suspension halted his playing time. Currently lying in 4th, just 3 points off 3rd, Zouma and Saint Etienne will be hoping to claim a European spot.
A transfer for Zouma seems unlikely in this window with it being World Cup year, however I will not be surprised if an Italian or English giant signing him in the summer. I doubt that the bid made by Chelsea earlier this week will materialise as he would be unlikely to get first team action ahead of Cahill, Terry or Luiz at Stamford Bridge. In 2 or 3 years, I can see this guy being a superstar and a future Ballon D'Or winner later in his career..
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