Pat Nevin believes that Kurt Zouma's impending move to West Ham could see the 26-year-old force his way into the French international starting team.
Zouma was an unused member of Didier Deschamps Euro 2020 squad having fallen down the pecking order behind Raphael Varane, Presnel Kimpembe, Clement Lenglet, and his potential replacement at Chelsea, Jules Kounde.
The centre-back has been called up for the September internationals despite not featuring in either of Chelsea's opening two Premier League matches but faces a battle to get into the starting XI.
Nevin believes a move to West Ham will benefit the defender in pushing those above him in the pecking order.
"He's a top player and he can still force his way into the French national team, but I wouldn't want to see him on the bench all season [at Chelsea]," Nevin told British Gambler.
With Zouma set to sign for West Ham on a five-year deal, football.london understands the transfer will cost the Hammers £25.7million and the defender is expected to become a regular under David Moyes.
Nevin believes the move will be a positive one for Zouma, highlighting the Frenchman's physical attributes as key to his success.
The former Scotland international does not rate Zouma's ability on the ball as highly as the likes of Thiago SIlva which is why he believes Thomas Tuchel has sanctioned the 26-year-olds departure.
"I think with Tuchel it's about comfort on the ball and stepping out of the backline with the ball," Nevin said.
"I think he can look a little bit clumsy at times because he's standing alongside Thiago Silva, although big players have looked that way next to him before.
"Rudiger is the best defender who actually likes defending in the league when you look at him play. Man to man marking and defending, I don't think there's any better than him.
"The other defenders don't have the physique or power of Kurt, but that assurance on the ball is probably what Tuchel is looking for.
"They [Chelsea] have a lot of options, and it might be best for Kurt [Zouma] if he was to leave, he'll get a few games, but I think he'll want to play week in week out."
The move to West Ham will see Zouma compete with regular centre-back partnership Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna for a spot in Moyes' starting XI but with a hectic schedule ahead the Chelsea player is sure to see plenty of action.
