4 hours ago, Blue Exile said:

Not sure how he fits into this current team, he isn't made for a back three imo, agree with previous posts saying a loan move next season could be his best option.

That would mean loaning out a huge talent for as long as we keep using a back three. Hmmmm.... Let's give him more time to adapt to a system that is relatively new to him. 

1 hour ago, Valerie said:

That would mean loaning out a huge talent for as long as we keep using a back three. Hmmmm.... Let's give him more time to adapt to a system that is relatively new to him. 

It would selling him in the not too distant future.

Don't think its about him adapting to the system, more that I don't think he has the technical tools as a footballer for a back 3. 

For me he's an old school style defender, ball winner, strong, but not that refined. 

If Cahill has the 'technical' tools for a back 3, anyone does. 

I would let Conte work on him and then decide if we want to keep him or sell him. I feel like once Zouma is back to his physical fitness, he should be adept at playing a 3 CB system once he learns his roles and responsibilities as well. As great as Caesar has been, he does not have height and that is one thing that a lot of teams have tried to take advantage of (Spurs , Utd). So I think the presence of Zouma as the R-CB and Caesar being moved to RWB will be an interesting system.

I think (and hope) Conte will use the coming pre-season to evaluate Zouma, you have to take into account that he has came back into the squad at a time when there will be very little team shape training being worked on, it will mostly be fitness and next match specific stuff, set piece duty etc. Zouma hasnt had anywhere near the same amount of time to train into the new formation and way of playing.

Edited April 7, 20179 yr by dkw

A full pre season will do him the world of good 

2 hours ago, brownindian said:

I would let Conte work on him and then decide if we want to keep him or sell him. I feel like once Zouma is back to his physical fitness, he should be adept at playing a 3 CB system once he learns his roles and responsibilities as well. As great as Caesar has been, he does not have height and that is one thing that a lot of teams have tried to take advantage of (Spurs , Utd). So I think the presence of Zouma as the R-CB and Caesar being moved to RWB will be an interesting system.

Carvalho didn't have 'the height' either. Also technically WB in this system is midfield, and why Azpi's technically good for a defender, he isn't for a midfielder. 

Edited April 7, 20179 yr by Argo

With Zoum on the other flank and Gary on the other we have two guys who are bad with the ball in their feet. Azpi's pretty good and Luiz is the level we want.

On 7.4.2017 at 13:53, RIP Mourinho said:

If Cahill has the 'technical' tools for a back 3, anyone does. 

Zouma makes Cahill look like Hierro, and even Cahill has questions about him on the ball in our system

Edited April 8, 20179 yr by Xfaxtor

I agree
He reminds me of a dog with a balloon when he's got the ball

Zouma's reaction to Matic's wonder goal was so adorable!! 

2 minutes ago, offside said:

Zouma's reaction to Matic's wonder goal was so adorable!! 

Best thing he's done all season to be fair 

5 minutes ago, offside said:

Zouma's reaction to Matic's wonder goal was so adorable!! 

Posted it in the matchday thread but for anyone who missed it as I know some posters avoid it on purpose :

 

That reaction was gold 

So what about this lad, does Conte have plans for him or it seems like he got no place in this formation?

I personally believe we have to loan him, follow his game and if he returns to his best then it only will do good for us. He still need time to prove himself for Conte, I like him very much and will be disappointed to lose him.

Should go on loan for a year, maybe to Germany or Italy, unless a PL team can guarantee him games.

 

1 hour ago, IliyaKrostin said:

So what about this lad, does Conte have plans for him or it seems like he got no place in this formation?

I personally believe we have to loan him, follow his game and if he returns to his best then it only will do good for us. He still need time to prove himself for Conte, I like him very much and will be disappointed to lose him.

Think he is meant to be going to Ligue 1 on loan along with Batshuyi & Traore. Don't understand the appeal of loaning them there.

Has 2yrs left on his contract, so unless he signs a new one I reckon we will be selling him.

It looks like Zouma will be heading out of Chelsea this season on loan as he's no longer qualifies for HG...there was some talk about returning to the French league and then some talk about going to Crystal Palace but that's happening as RLC is going there on loan now, so where's good for big Kurt...West Ham to work with Bilic? Or WBA to learn off Pulis? What's your thoughts? 

Hopefully he can stay away from West Ham at least, that club is toxic. 

Newcastle would be above WBA on my list. FSW being the main reason. 

Edited July 10, 20179 yr by TheChelseaBlues

1 hour ago, doctorblue said:

It looks like Zouma will be heading out of Chelsea this season on loan as he's no longer qualifies for HG...there was some talk about returning to the French league and then some talk about going to Crystal Palace but that's happening as RLC is going there on loan now, so where's good for big Kurt...West Ham to work with Bilic? Or WBA to learn off Pulis? What's your thoughts? 

Stoke could be another place for him they played MvG a decent amount when he was there plus he is a massive upgrade on Shawcross so is guaranteed games.
 

8 minutes ago, PedroMendez said:

Stoke could be another place for him they played MvG a decent amount when he was there plus he is a massive upgrade on Shawcross so is guaranteed games.
 

Good shout mate, think it would work well for all parties.

Really hope he works out here, if it wasn't for his injury at the Utd game I'm pretty certain he would be the one of the first names on our team sheet by now. He was growing into becoming one of our best defenders, such bad luck with injury. Now he looks like a different player, fingers crossed he can get back to how he was.

Edited July 10, 20179 yr by dansubrosa

Not sure about Stoke to be honest...would prefer him to work with a manager with specialist defensive knowledge or experience...

If he goes out on loan we would be down to 4 centre backs, 5 including Azpiliucueta. I think that could be little light if we continue with 3 at the back. 

If he goes on loan, I hope it's to a club that plays out from the back so he can work on his weaknesses. 

I don't think stoke or wba would be good for him.