Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has hailed Kalidou Koulibaly as the perfect replacement for departure Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger.
Antonio Rudiger’s Chelsea exit is still felt by the entire Chelsea fans and the squad. Antonio Rudiger became one of the best defenders in the Premier League and Europe under Thomas Tuchel after initially struggling at Chelsea. He struggled even to make the starting eleven under former coach Frank Lampard.
Jorginho himself has admitted that Chelsea will miss Antonio Rudiger and will struggle to replace him.
The Italian Midfielder in an interview with SkySports said: “He’s been here a long time so if he leaves then we’re going to miss him. He’s a big personality and he’s helped us a lot. We’ve had amazing times here; he’s a good friend of mine and of course, if he leaves everyone at the club will miss him, not just me.
“His craziness. He makes me laugh a lot; all of his jokes and laughs we’ve had together – that’s the nice part.”
Chelsea confirmed the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly for £45 million from Napoli. The 31-year-old has similar qualities to that Antonio Rudiger.
However, Jorginho believes Kalidou Koulibaly has what it takes to replace Antonio Rudiger.
What did Jorginho say about Kalidou Koulibaly?
When he was quizzed if Kalidou Koulibaly was the perfect replacement for Antonio Rudiger, Jorginho said: “Oh definitely, for me it’s the best replacement.
“The best choice the club could have made together with the staff and the coach. I just really hope and I’m pretty sure he will be a big help to our team.
“Of course, we are excited because it means new players coming to help the team and help the club to achieve important things. It’s what Chelsea is all about.”
Kalidou Koulibaly disclosed in his first interview with Chelsea that he talked with his former Napoli teammate Jorginho and National teammate Edouard Mendy before joining Chelsea.
Jorginho in responding to questions about the role he played in Kalidou Koulibaly joining the West London club, the Italian midfielder said: “I was just a friend talking to him saying let’s play together again. I used to play with you, it’s been a long time come on let’s play together again.”
Meanwhile, Callum Hudson-Odoi has revealed that Raheem Sterling has already impressed him since his arrival and looks up to him.
The Chelsea academy graduate revealed via the Chelsea website: Raheem has had a big influence in the dressing room already,’ Hudson-Odoi said of the new Blue. “We knew what sort of player he was anyway, he’s a top, top player and that’s highlighted with what he’s done in his career for club and country.
“For myself, it’s good to look up to someone like him and see if I can replicate his numbers in terms of goals and assists and the way he dribbles and things like that.
“It’s definitely good to have someone like him in the squad. He’s a great personality in the changing room and he’s someone who wants to help the team, win more trophies, and be the best he can be for Chelsea.”
