By CFC Unofficial (Debs) (Chelsea 6 Maribor 0 Champions League) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia CommonsThe future is bright for Chelsea FC’s back-four if Kurt Zouma has anything to do with it. The 20-year-old impressed in his first Premier League start as his side triumphed over a tough Newcastle United side in a 2-0 win. Zouma was bought by Chelsea on January 2014 from Ligue 1 club St-Etienne and received praise from assistant coach Steve Holland following the match.

“The club gets a lot of stick for not giving young players a go and Kurt Zouma is 20 years of age,” said Holland. “And he was immaculate today. We all have belief in him, but ultimately as the leader and the manager Jose has to make the decisions. He showed great faith in him today by starting him. And that faith was repaid – I thought his performance was immaculate. I can’t think of anything he did wrong.”

Manager Jose Mourinho entrusted Zouma with a start after a dismal performance from the incumbent Gary Cahill against Tottenham. The youngster repaid his manager with a strong display next to captain John Terry.

“I thought his performance was immaculate. I can’t think of anything he did wrong” – Steve Holland

Zouma’s appearances this season have been limited to Capital One Cup, Champions League matches against minnows, and FA Cup fixtures along with short cameos in the Premier League, but against Newcastle he showed why he was purchased for 12.5 million pounds. Zouma looked composed in the heart of defence showing great awareness for his age and was strong in the air. He was also confident with the ball often moving into the opposition half picking out Cesc Fabregas, Oscar and Eden Hazard with quality passes.

In terms of development Zouma has been carefully nursed by Mourinho with the Portuguese ensuring he is carefully implemented into the first team. Nicknamed “Happy”, Zouma seems to also have the correct attitude as he patiently waits for first team opportunities. With John Terry reaching the twilight of his career, Mourinho has earmarked Zouma to be the future. His fearless and physical style resembles Terry earlier in his career.

At the moment he lacks a cerebral touch and needs to work on reading the game, which of course will come with experience. With Terry’s imminent retirement and Cahill who is set to turn 30 this season, there is speculation that Mourinho is already looking at Kurt Zouma’s defensive partner for the next decade.

Chelsea already boasts a young talented defender in their youth ranks, Tomas Kalas. The 21-year-old Czech is currently on-loan with Middlesbrough but showed his ability in last season’s famous 2-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield. Kalas has been with the club since 2010 and has since gone on loan to Vitesse, FC Koln and now Middlesbrough.

Another option would be Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane. Mourinho remains a great admirer of the French national whom he bought from Lens during his tenure as Madrid manager. The defender already has an impressive resume already playing 47 games for Madrid winning a Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey. He also has 17 caps for France and was part of their 2014 World Cup Squad.

Varane would be the better choice to partner Zouma as he compliments him. His great ability to read the game will suit Chelsea – and would fill the role of sweeper with ease. Kurt Zouma’s partnership with his fellow compatriot could resemble the successful duo of Terry and Ricardo Carvalho last decade. France manager Didier Deschamps has already touted Zouma as a potential national team captain. His leadership along with his talent will see much relief around Stamford Bridge as it seems the future is in good hands.