Zouma ‘still raw’ but can shine for Chelsea – Sinclair

Kurt Zouma is still raw and has much to learn but can go from strength to strength at Chelsea, according to former Blues defender Frank Sinclair.

The French centre-back, 20, has impressed in the early stages of the season despite Chelsea’s collective defensive struggles.

He has played seven games, and scored the first goal in the 2-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday.

“He has great natural speed and and physicality that suits Chelsea,” Sinclair, a Chelsea youth product and then first-team regular from 1990 to 1998, told West London Sport.

“But he is still very raw and has lot to learn. He will only improve by playing games – that is the way you progress at that age and he is a player who will only get better.

“His all-round game has to come on; he needs to know when to get tight when to drop and improve his reading of the game, but that will come.”

The rise of Zouma means John Terry and Gary Cahill are not automatic choices anymore.

And Sinclair, who is currently coaching Oldham Athletic’s Under-16 side after a brief spell in interim charge of non-League team Brackley, believes right-back Branislav Ivanovic must improve his level of performance if he is to stay in the side.

The Serbian right-back has been widely criticised for his defensive shortcomings during Chelsea’s poor start to the season, which already seen them lose three Premier League matches.

But manager Jose Mourinho has kept faith with Ivanovic, and made him captain against the Gunners.

“I am a big admirer of him, having myself played as a full-back for Chelsea,” said Sinclair.

“But I am sure he would be the first to admit he has been out of form and has made some mistakes, which are out of character.

“It looks worse because he has set a really high standard. Last season he was the best right-back in the country but the problem is that Chelsea expect the best and he has to maintain those standards to stay in the side.

“He will have to step it up because with Baba Rahman joining – who looks a very talented young player – then Cesar Azpilicueta can move across, so there is more competition at right-back.”