Scout Reports

Moving Target – Kurt Zouma

With Crystal Palace appearing to have stolen a march on Stoke City in the race to sign Bruno Martins Indi, the Potters have bolstered their centre-back options by signing Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma on a season-long loan.

Stoke manager Mark Hughes revealed the Potters fought off interest from a number of clubs from across Europe to secure the services of Zouma, who is looking for regular first-team football following a serious knee injury:

“We have prioritised adding further strength in depth to defensive positions this summer, and we have certainly done that by fending off any number of clubs who were all interested in taking Kurt on loan… On his day he is one of the most impressive defenders in the league, and while injury unfortunately hampered his progress at Chelsea last season, we are certain that we can give him the platform to recapture the form he showed prior to his setback.”

The History

Zouma linked up with Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne at the age of 15  and made his professional debut in a cup match against Bordeaux in August 2011, aged 16.

He made 22 league appearances during the 2011/12 season, scoring twice, and was part of the side that lifted the Coupe de la Ligue in 2012/13.

In total, Zouma played 74 times for Saint-Etienne in all competitions, producing four goals and two assists.

In January 2014, Zouma joined Chelsea in a deal believed to be worth around £12 million, though he only linked up with the Blues ahead of the 2014/15 campaign.

He made 15 league appearances during his first season at Stamford Bridge and was part of the squad that won the Premier League title.

It was during the following season that Zouma really established himself in the Chelsea side, starting 21 of the first 25 matches before rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.

That injury, along with the form of the Chelsea defence last season, meant Zouma has made just nine league appearances since.

Zouma represented France at all levels from U16s to U21s, before making his senior debut against Denmark in March 2015 – one of just two appearances he has made for the national team.

The Prospects

Zouma is priced at 5.5 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), so it’s unlikely the Frenchman will feature prominently in our seasons.

The 22-year-old does offer a set-piece threat – during the 2015/16 season he averaged a shot every 112.8 minutes.

But his goalscoring record, just seven goals in his career so far, doesn’t appear to justify the outlay, particularly bearing mind the Potters only kept 11 clean sheets last term.

Value can certainly be found elsewhere in the Stoke defence, though.

Glen Johnson, Phil Bardsley and Geoff Cameron are available at 4.5, while Jack Butland, Erik Pieters and Ryan Shawcross come in at 5.0.

Much will depend on what formation Hughes opts for.

The Potters’ boss generally favoured a four-man backline last term, but he did at times experiment with a three-man defence.

In a back four, Zouma and Shawcross look the favourites to start in central defence if Martins Indi doesn’t end up at the bet365 Stadium, with Cameron and perhaps Marc Muniesa options in a three-man backline.

Cameron is certainly an interesting prospect as he is also in the running to start in a defensive midfield role, although new signing Darren Fletcher is expected to be a starter in the middle of the park.

In terms of Zouma’s defensive numbers, he impressively won all eight of his tackles last season, and 81% during the 2015/16 campaign.

By comparison, Shawcross only won 75% of his tackles last time out.

Looking at Zouma’s bonus point potential, he averaged a clearance, block or interception (CBI) every 11.42 minutes in 2015/16, which was inferior to Shawcross (9.91) last term.

However, Zouma earned Baseline Bonus System Points (BPS) – that is BPS without goals, assists and clean sheets – at a rate of a point every 3.7 minutes. An outstanding return which easily bettered Shawcross (7.6 minutes).

Looking back a season, Zouma – who made 23 appearances for Chelsea – earned Baseline BPS every 6.5 minutes compared with Shawcross’ 7.2.

That would indicate that the new loanee will have a say when it comes to BPS and bonus points in a Stoke clean sheet scenario.

However, even that data does little to justify the extra spend on Zouma, with Butland and Shawcross, providing he shakes off a back problem, likely to offer stronger value.

Fantasy managers will hope pre-season provides some clues as to who will be the first-choice right-back between Johnson and Bardsley, although Mame Biram Diouf’s ability to operate at right wing-back is a worry should Hughes adopt a three-man defence.

There could also be some uncertainty on the opposite flank, with summer signing Josh Tymon set to put pressure on Pieters for the left-back berth.

In any case, Stoke’s opening fixtures (eve, ARS, wba, MUN, new, CHE) mean Potters assets are unlikely to be in demand.

Those early matches should provide us with the chance to assess how Stoke will line up this season, with investment likelier when Hughes’ men embark on a more favourable run from Gameweek 9 onwards.

As for Chelsea, new signing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen look to be the rotation options in central defence for Antonio Conte, with John Terry and Nathan Ake having departed this summer.

It has also been mooted that Conte could be open to changing to a four-man defence on occasion this season, something that will certainly need to be monitored.

But in terms of Stoke, the power and athleticism of Zouma should certainly complement the experience of Shawcross. And once the Chelsea loanee gets a run of matches under his belt, his presence could boost the appeal of the entire backline.

But until the schedule eases, and we see how the Potters line up, Fantasy managers are likely to take a watching brief before pinpointing the optimum route into the Stoke rearguard.

Further Reference

Kurt Zouma Wikipedia

Kurt Zouma Transfer Markt Page

Kurt Zouma You Tube Highlights

2,595 Comments Post a Comment
  1. *sigh*
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Any one else looking at Willian captain for gw1? I was told it was a gamble here yesterday but watching the preseason I reckon he will go large against a Burnley team not so Keane.

    1. Think
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Kaku vs west ham

    2. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Lukaku 13 G+A in 12 games against West Ham

      1. *sigh*
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Yes I see Kaku as an option but will he gel straight away? Also with Willian being a mid you get more points for goals/clean sheets. Think I'm sticking.

        1. WE GO FOR IT
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          He's already scored 2 goals. United have 5 more games before the game against West Ham. I think he'll have gelled enough!

          Willian is a good pick. He's looked great in the friendlies so far. But I feel, Lukaku has a higher ceiling.

          1. *sigh*
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Good point well made!

  2. Randell
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Best 4.5m defender for bench ?

    1. Speédy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Francis,Dunk,Newcastle

      1. Randell
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        is Francis nailed on ?

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Tomkins could be gold if stays fit

      1. Toast
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Isn't this based on them paying with wing backs?

    3. nonprophet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Zanka

  3. General_Zod
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    A little help here please. Not convinced by Ramsey.

    Foster (Elliot)
    Trippier Lindelof Bertrand Daniels (Dunk)
    Alli Ramsey Willian Mikhitaryan (Caroll or Dowell at Everton in due course)
    Rooney Lukaku Jesus.

    Thanks in advance.

    1. General_Zod
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Sorry, Daniels will be benched.

    2. nonprophet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Ramsey to tadic?

      1. Toast
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Redmond for me

        1. General_Zod
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Not a bad shout that.

    3. Toast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Looks good but with those fixtures I wouldn't get Rooney

      1. General_Zod
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers.

        Preseason hes hes lead the line, scored etc. Thoughts were to downgrade Rooney post Stoke before bringing him back in on WC gw4 or 5.

  4. TATTOOED_2
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Having Kun, Lukaku and Kane in my team is (obviously) making my MF a lot weaker but I can't pick one to lose. Aguero is criminally overlooked so far

    1. Speédy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Have Kun in,great differential,will surely do well if he starts upfront.

      1. TATTOOED_2
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        If only I could have all 3 and improve my MF

    2. Toast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I feel Jesus is a better option mainly due to being 1m less and with such a heavy front line that 1m must be worth spending elsewhere

  5. johnnybeefcake
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    I'm confused.. is leroy sane nailed? Considering all the options they have in attack

    1. Speédy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Played 16 of the last 17 games,nailed imo.

    2. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Pep is also confused

    3. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      If I had to say right now, he is nailed.

      1. johnnybeefcake
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        cheers guys, im not sure who to use as city cover because KDB is the only player that I know is nailed

        1. WE GO FOR IT
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          If you can get the cash, get KdB in!

  6. Pedroschillipeeps
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Hi. I really fancied getting involved in a draft today. Does anyone have any spare places?

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Classic 8 Team Draft 11am (British Summer Time) start today

      53932-16160

      1. Pedroschillipeeps
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Joined thanks. Although don't we need a full 8 to start?

  7. ..dom
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Are we expecting Rob Elliot (4.0) to be Newcastle's starting GK option this year?

    1. Think
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      We expect but not sure.

    2. Hairy Potter
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Yes, unless Rafa signs someone. He seems to have gone off Darlow, Krul doesn't seem to be in his plans, Woodman lacks experience and Sels was loaned out.

      1. ..dom
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        interesting - thanks folks - does anyone know which team they rotate with?

        1. *sigh*
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Leicester City Home/Away all season but also really well for first 10 game weeks with Burnley.

        2. Toast
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Fabianski

    3. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      We certainly are hoping so.

  8. klopp4kop
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    clark or yedlin?? manquillo has come in...competition for yedlin?? clark surely nailed??

    1. ..dom
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I would bet Lascelles is the most nailed on in that Newcastle DEF? club captain etc?

      1. klopp4kop
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        isn't clark captain?

        1. ..dom
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Lascelles was defo captain last year- unless they've changed it recently?

          1. *sigh*
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Lascalles is captain but they've just bought Lejuane. Between the two centre halves Clark played better than Lascalles last season so its all up in the air. Yedlin now has competition from Manquillo and Rafa is looking for another left back so Dummetts position could become doubtful.

    2. Hairy Potter
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Not clear at the minute.

      Lejeune has played as the left centre back from preseason reports which would suggest he is more of a threat to Clark than Lascelles. Lascelles wasn't at his best the end of last season and didn't look that good against mobile strikers.

      I'd say Dummett is the nearest to being nailed in the back four at the minute.

  9. johnnybeefcake
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    A) Kane and Sane
    B) KDB and Lacazette

    1. COYG
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Hard one maybe A

    2. 3050MIF
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      A looks the safest option to me.

  10. COYG
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Mendy's price? hoping for 5.5 but probably 6.5 whats everyone's thoughts

    1. Think
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      6 may be.

  11. Think
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Early on in season spread the risk by not selecting to many player from same team. What's your thoughts ?

  12. klopp4kop
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    will i be punished if i go without any arsenal players? thoughts?

    1. COYG
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Not really, don't have many must have options, lacazette maybe but still one to watch, ozil meh, ramsey meh, sanchez gone most likely and backs aren't nailed

  13. icecold
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    I was thinking going all in and use the wildcard after the first international break. What do you think is that wise? I could have Aku, Lukaku and Kane in my team if i my bench is very cheap...

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Good plan, first WC is best used after either int break 1, 2, or 3... So activate after GW3/7/11 deadlines

      1. icecold
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks!

  14. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Posted yesterday around captaincy planning.... Up to second international break in GW7, would you agree these are the captaincy priorities?

    GW1 Lukaku (WHM), Kun/Jesus (bha), Morata (BUR), Lacazette (LEI)
    GW2 Kun/Jesus (EVE), Lukaku (swa), Mané (CPL), Lacazette (sto)
    GW3 Kane (BUR) Lukaku (LEI), Kun/Jesus (bou)
    GW4 Lacazette (BOU), Lukaku (sto)
    GW5 Kane (SWA), Kun/Jesus (wat), Lukaku (EVE)
    GW6 Kun/Jesus (CPL), Lacazette (WBM)
    GW7 Lacazette (BHA), Kane (hud), Lukaku (CPL)

    1. Twelve years a slave
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Week Two actually quite tricky. If Lukaku scores in Gw 1 Then he will likely be strong favorite in Gw 2 otherwise looks tough

      1. Twelve years a slave
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Sanchez would be the natural Arsenal choice as he always starts. If Giroud still hanging around then Lacazette could maybe risky around champions league time

    2. Ephurion
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      So Kun + Kaku to cover all?
      Or Lacazette + any of them 3 ofc, but not all sold on him as (c).
      Would be usefull with point total prediction (RMT hint hint) to determinate if i.e. Kane + Kaku would outscore a perfect (c) rotation even with their inperfect one.

    3. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah looks good to me. Was settled on a Kane-less team...then remembered how important he is to captain.

  15. klopp4kop
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    lacazette or lukaku?

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Lukaku

  16. johnnybeefcake
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    any nailed strikers for 6.0?

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      J-Rod

    2. klopp4kop
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      glenn murray....jay rod.

  17. MyPrettyPony
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Good morning, all. Hope your pre-seasons are going well.

    Quick either or question:
    A: Miki and Defoe; or
    B: Ritchie and Morata?

    And why? Thanks.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Don't like either tbh.
      B just due to probably being more nailed

      1. MyPrettyPony
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers, TM. Hope you're well. I'm hoping to go one better than the LMS semi this year - thanks for running again.

        Just out of curiosity, not a Defoe believer?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          A year older, new club. Mkhi was more the worry in that pairing.

        2. klopp4kop
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          defoe and ritchie...ritchie is on pens and freekicks..defoe is a proven goalscorer

        3. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Cheers, if you get that far, you'll still be #1 in HoF 🙂

    2. MyPrettyPony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Cheers. We'll see

    3. MyPrettyPony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Have considered the cheapest pairi

    4. MyPrettyPony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Wow, I really can't use my new phone. Third time lucky. Cheapest pairing - Ritchie and Defoe - is an option if I can use the £2m elsewhere.

  18. johnnybeefcake
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    best nailed midfielder or attacker for 6.0 or under?

    1. klopp4kop
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      ritchie....he is on pens and freekicks

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Matt Phillips looks good

      1. johnnybeefcake
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        thank you guys!

  19. klopp4kop
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    alex iwobi nailed??

    1. Blanka
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Never.

    2. SP Polymorphism
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Would be interesting to see how much time he gets if Sanchez leaves.

  20. klopp4kop
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    is milivojevic a good shout? under frank de boer palace are playing 3-4-3 with mili as defensive midfield...but he is on pens and takes freekicks( and scores)

    1. Tiamani Warrior
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I'm tempted to fit him in

  21. johnnybeefcake
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    RMT (WC planned for GW4)

    Foster
    Lindelof Dunk Cedric
    Willian Coutinho Sane Alli Phillips
    Kane Lukaku

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Do you have a bench? If not then maybe go Trippier over Lindelof who could be eased in.

  22. TATTOOED_2
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Foster (Heaton)
    Lindelof Cedric Naughton (Dunk lascellas)
    Alli Phillips Zaha Carroll (Diame)
    Aguero Lukaku Kane

    Is it worth having those 3 up front if the rest of the team looks like that? Can't work out which ST to lose if I decide to bulk up MF and Naughton

  23. 3050MIF
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Which Newcastle defenders are nailed? IMO it's only Dummett and perhaps Lascelles?

  24. klopp4kop
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    thoughts on tammy abraham? will be start games?

    1. klopp4kop
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      *starting

  25. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    If Kompany and Mendy are both priced at 6.0 who would you prefer?

  26. Inter Me Gran
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Rooney or Austin??

    Depends on Austin game time but the £1m saving could be useful elsewhere.

    1. unlethal
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Austin is a really solid player so if he's nailed, I'd go with him.

  27. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    A. RAmsey + Firmino
    OR
    B. Coutinho + Austin

    1. Inter Me Gran
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      B, but suffer the same dilemma as above

      1. Whats the Mata?
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Austin is MP's first choice from what Ive seen in preseason. He starts the match off with his first choice team and then gets on the changes in the second half. Plus Austin scored a brace yesterday that solidifies his position. Plus Southampton have such great fixtures, he provides great value.

        1. Inter Me Gran
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          He's in for me now!

        2. George James
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Did Austin or Gabbi start?

          1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Austin

  28. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Anybody interested in Classic 8 Team FPL Draft league starting at 11am (British Summer Time) today ?

    League Code 53932-16160

    1. Whats the Mata?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Joined.

  29. Carm3
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    RMT please!

    De gea
    Cedric trippier cahill
    pogba De bruyne mooy alli
    defoe lukaku firmino