Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois has called on Kurt Zouma to continue his form and become one of the best defenders in the world.
20-year-old Zouma signed for Chelsea in 2014 but continued at his former club Saint Etienne on loan to aid his development.
And, after returning to Stamford Bridge last summer, the French international has become somewhat of an important member of Jose Mourinho’s starting eleven, pushing Gary Cahill for a regular starting spot alongside captain John Terry.
Courtois has enjoyed the youngster’s form and believes he can now go on to become one of the world’s best.
“Zouma has a lot of talent,” he enthused. “He is strong. He has a truly exceptional calmness. He is strong with his head. He plays well with the ball at his feet. He will continue to grow and improve.
“I think he can become one of the best defenders in the world if it continues like this. He really is a very good player.”
The former Atletico Madrid loanee then went on to praise Eden Hazard, claiming he will go on to become a future Ballon d’Or winner.
“He is not yet at the level of [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo, who are above all other players, but Eden has the potential to get there. He’s only 24 years old. He can still improve.
“He has the potential to be a future Ballon d’Or winner but, as Messi and Ronaldo play like that, with 30 goals in 30 games, it will not be easy for him.”