Certain members of the Chelsea workforce have reportedly been puzzled by Kalidou Koulibaly’s short career at the club.
According to GIVE ME SPORT’S, ‘there are figures around Chelsea bemused by his levels’ since he moved to Stamford Bridge from Napoli in the summer for £33m.
Koulibaly has caused plenty of confusion and frustration amongst the fan base following his decision to exchange Serie A for South West London.
The 31-year-old has played 18 times this season, but it’s difficult to name one match where he was the standout star.
He’s often been overshadowed by his defensive partner Thiago Silva, who continues to stand head and shoulders above his teammates.
He’s often been overshadowed by his defensive partner Thiago Silva, who continues to stand head and shoulders above his teammates.
Whilst Silva is the epitome of consistency, his centre-back colleague could be defined as quite the opposite.
Although it’s never quite been disastrous, Koulibaly is yet to justify his transfer to Chelsea.
Kalidou Koulibaly continues to struggle at Chelsea
Graham Potter has persisted with the Senegal international, having started him in the last six matches across all competitions.
But this run has yielded just one victory and one clean sheet.
This came at home against Bournemouth in the Premier League, where Koulibaly was hardly tested at all by the visitors.
In the follow up fixture, Nottingham Forest applied far greater pressure on the defender and the results was a disaster
Steve Cooper’s men deserved to secure a draw due to their direct second-half performance.
Koulibaly was then subjected to successive meetings with Manchester City, evenings he will not forget in a hurry.
Especially yesterday’s devastating 4-0 defeat in the FA Cup third round, with the fourth goal gifted by the Chelsea centre-back after fouling Phil Foden in the penalty area.
Sunday’s shuddering loss might be the end of Koulibaly’s stint in the XI, with new signing Benoit pushing for a start.