Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has insisted that Kurt Zouma has all the ingredients to be a top-class centre-back and playing alongside Antonio Rudiger could see him produce his best form for Chelsea.
The 25-year-old has established himself as a first-choice pick for Frank Lampard this season in the heart of their Blues' defence.
Having spent the last two seasons out on loan, at Stoke City and Everton, Zouma is enjoying his best run in the team since arriving from Saint-Etienne in 2014.
However, his concentration, at times, has been questioned after playing his role in a few of the goals Chelsea have conceded in the last few matches.
Ferdinand, though, has insisted Zouma has all the physical attributes to be a leading defender in the Premier League and playing alongside Antonio Rudiger regularly could be key to him taking the next step in his career.
"He's got physicality, pace, he's strong and aggressive, hungry, there is an intensity to his game and a desire to defend," Ferdinand told BT Sport.
"He's made countless blocks. He probably came into this season as the fourth-choice centre-half, especially before David Luiz was sold. He's been on loan at Everton, he did very well, and he's had to work his way into the team.
"I think he's grown on Frank (Lampard), Frank's been delighted with him, even in possession, because sometimes he can look a little bit unorthodox.
"He has made occasional mistakes but as someone who is inexperienced, in terms of the amount of games he's played, that can be expected.
"I think he's someone who is growing in confidence and alongside someone like Rudiger, who has the experience, a big personality, that could be the making of him because he has all the ingredients.
"He is a specimen. If you were going to build a centre-half, he's what you'd want to build a centre-half like.
"Then it comes down to what is between the ears, making sure he takes on the right information and learns from the mistakes."
