It's safe to say Kalidou Koulibaly made a positive first impression in Chelsea colours, even as the Blues fell to a comprehensive defeat to Arsenal. In a match dominated by the difference in intensity and match-readiness between the two London sides, the Senegal international still managed to highlight what he could have to offer over the course of his four-year contract.
After signing Koulibaly from Napoli, Jorginho was unequivocal in his assessment of the transfer that brought his former teammate to Stamford Bridge. He said: "For me, the club – along with the staff and the coach - have made the best possible choice in bringing Kalidou to the club. I just really hope, and I’m pretty sure of this, he will be a big help to our team. He is a fantastic player and a perfect replacement [for Antonio Rudiger]."
Rudiger brought presence to the Chelsea side. Whether it be through a firm challenge or unusual antic he was able to lift the crowd. It is too soon to know if Koulibaly will fill that gap but he provided a rare positive in a pretty dire performance from the Blues as they brought their US tour to a close.
