Kurt Zouma has revealed how his conversations with Marco Silva convinced him to make a deadline day move to Everton, saying he is a “top manager” who is “bringing something special” to the Blues’ squad.
Zouma was the last of seven summer signings made by the Portuguese, with his arrival on a season-long loan from Chelsea going right to the wire.
Zouma was the last of seven summer signings made by the Portuguese, with his arrival on a season-long loan from Chelsea going right to the wire.
However, the 23-year-old defender says he was always confident the transfer would be completed on a hectic final day of the window and that he couldn’t wait to get going after hearing Silva’s plans.
Zouma could be in line to make his home debut against Rotherham United on Wednesday evening having got his first taste of action for his new club during the final moments of Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.
“You can see now with the way we’re playing, I think we’re doing well, the attitude of the players is good and he’s bringing something special into this team I think.
“Every player likes that - when a manager comes and talks to you and gives you advice. I think that’s important.”
Zouma picked up a Premier League winner’s medal with Chelsea in 2016/17, playing nine games despite missing the first half of the campaign with a serious knee injury.
He then suffered the heartache of relegation while on loan at Stoke City last term but says he can take much from both experiences as he strives to make his mark on Merseyside.
“It wasn’t easy last season and I learned,” he said. “I was a champion with Chelsea and I went down with Stoke so I’ve got a bit of everything in my head now.
“But it won’t affect my confidence. I know the quality I have, I know what I can bring to this team and I want to give 100 per cent.
“I’ve come here to play, I want to play and I will take any opportunities the manager gives me.
“I haven’t played in pre-season but I’ve been training a lot, I’ve been preparing myself a lot and I’m ready.
“I can see by the players we have in the dressing room, the crowd - the fans are amazing, the stadium - everything, it’s a big club here.
“I wanted to be here and I’m ready to play and give my all for Everton.”
Zouma’s switch to Goodison also afforded him the opportunity to link up with a familiar face in international teammate Lucas Digne.
The pair won the Under-20 World Cup together in 2013 and Zouma believes the capture of the former Paris St Germain, Roma and Barcelona left-back is an astute piece of business by the Toffees.
“He is a very good left-back,” he said. “He is powerful and he defends well, attacks well, crosses well and he has a very good left foot.
“Just like Leighton Baines, Leighton is a top player.
“Lucas is a very, very funny guy as well, a kind guy, a very good guy.
“We won the Under-20 World Cup together, we had a very strong squad, a good team, good players and Lucas is a top man as well.
“He is a good guy but Leighton is also a very, very good left-back.
“You can see in every position there is competition and this can only be good for the team.”
The France international endured a frustrating pre-season at Chelsea before his move to Everton but confirmed he is now fit and ready to help Silva when needed.
“He [Silva] is very direct with his players and he’s very close to them,” he said.
“He spoke to me and he said, ‘Listen, I want you to help my team, I want you to be in this team and to come with us’.
“From the discussions, I felt the confidence and the trust with him. He’s a good manager, a top manager. He likes to talk about details, he wants us to play and to enjoy our football.
“You can see now with the way we’re playing, I think we’re doing well, the attitude of the players is good and he’s bringing something special into this team I think.
“Every player likes that - when a manager comes and talks to you and gives you advice. I think that’s important.”
Zouma picked up a Premier League winner’s medal with Chelsea in 2016/17, playing nine games despite missing the first half of the campaign with a serious knee injury.
He then suffered the heartache of relegation while on loan at Stoke City last term but says he can take much from both experiences as he strives to make his mark on Merseyside.
“It wasn’t easy last season and I learned,” he said. “I was a champion with Chelsea and I went down with Stoke so I’ve got a bit of everything in my head now.
“But it won’t affect my confidence. I know the quality I have, I know what I can bring to this team and I want to give 100 per cent.
“I’ve come here to play, I want to play and I will take any opportunities the manager gives me.
“I haven’t played in pre-season but I’ve been training a lot, I’ve been preparing myself a lot and I’m ready.
“I can see by the players we have in the dressing room, the crowd - the fans are amazing, the stadium - everything, it’s a big club here.
“I wanted to be here and I’m ready to play and give my all for Everton.”
Zouma’s switch to Goodison also afforded him the opportunity to link up with a familiar face in international teammate Lucas Digne.
The pair won the Under-20 World Cup together in 2013 and Zouma believes the capture of the former Paris St Germain, Roma and Barcelona left-back is an astute piece of business by the Toffees.
“He is a very good left-back,” he said. “He is powerful and he defends well, attacks well, crosses well and he has a very good left foot.
“Just like Leighton Baines, Leighton is a top player.
“Lucas is a very, very funny guy as well, a kind guy, a very good guy.
“We won the Under-20 World Cup together, we had a very strong squad, a good team, good players and Lucas is a top man as well.
“He is a good guy but Leighton is also a very, very good left-back.
“You can see in every position there is competition and this can only be good for the team.”
