These two players inspired Koulibaly

Chelsea defender, Kalidou Koulibaly, in a recent statement has named two players in the persons of former Blues centre-back Marcel Desailly and former Juventus defender Lillian Thuram as those who inspired his football career.

Koulibaly made this known during an interview posted via Chelsea’s official website ahead of their Premier League tie with Crystal Palace this weekend, Koulibaly said he loved watching Desailly and Thuram when he was a youngster.

When asked about players who inspired him as a youngster, the Senegal international said: “Marcel Desailly and Lilian Thuram.

“I was French. I’m French. I was born in France, so I grew up with them as my example, and it helped me a lot.”

He added, “As French guys with African origins, I was watching them like big stars, idols. Today, I spoke with Lilian Thuram, and he gives me a lot of advice, a lot of help.”

In another report, Koulibaly is likely do start when Chelsea take on Crystal Palace on Saturday in the EPL.