The 20-year-old has burst into first-team action this season.
Kurt Zouma signed for Chelsea in January 2014 for a fee around £12m, remaining with Saint-Etienne on loan for the remainder of the 2013-14, and has been thrown into first-team action in the last few weeks.
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Zouma started alongside captain John Terry and ahead of Gary Cahill in the second-leg victory over Liverpool, helping his side to a victory with another outstanding performance.
The 20-year-old has adapted to English football expertly, partnering both John Terry and Gary Cahill, proving to be the real-deal alongside the experienced internationals.
Here’s five reasons why Zouma is the future heart of the Chelsea defence:
Pace
In getting a start for the second-leg Capital One Cup semi-final against Liverpool, in which the Blues won 2-1 on aggregate, Mourinho stated the key motive for selecting Zouma ahead of Cahill was due to his superb pace.
Chelsea conceded a goal in the first-leg when Raheem Sterling used his speed to ease past Cahill, and the Blues boss saw the 20-year-old as capable of dealing with the Liverpool winger ahead of the England international.
John Terry is renowned for his ability to read the game, yet has on occasion suffered with his lack of pace, and while Cahill is quicker, neither are particularly quick along the ground.
Composure
Since starting at Stamford Bridge against Watford in the FA Cup, the centre-back was handed his first Premier League start in the following game at home to Newcastle – and played a key role in both the victories and the clean-sheets.
A trait that is particularly noticeable of the 20-year-old is his composure on the ball with the defender possessing a level-headed attitude on the pitch that is essential for the quick-pace and physicality of the Premier League.
What’s more, Zouma’s composure on the ball is fuelled by his perceived excellent tactical awareness.
Youth
It is hard to believe that Zouma is just 20-years-old; the former Saint Etienne rock looks far more established for his age, and this is a crucial characteristic that has enabled John Terry and Gary Cahill to be at ease playing alongside him.
The centre-back has years of playing-time ahead of him, and Mourinho should consider the u21 France international a long-term replacement for 34-year-old John Terry.
Strength
Zouma’s strength is clear to see, and his natural physicality and powerful stature has allowed the France U21 international to adapt quickly to English football.
His physical presence has also been noticeable in the opposition’s half – when he marked his first debut for the Blues at Stamford Bridge in the Third Round Capital One Cup tie against Bolton Wanderers by firing home from a Loic Remy cross – in which his debut was described as “immaculate” by Steve Holland.
Development
Zouma has now made starts for Chelsea in the Capital One Cup, Champions League, FA Cup and Premier League – proving himself as a valuable asset in each competition.
Mourinho will know that at just 20-years-old, and having already put in some excellent performances, that the defender can go on to become an established player for the Blues and in Europe.