Kalidou Koulibaly

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Devil may care

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I have seen him play sometimes (just like 4 times) and I have been impressed with his skills. Most of the games he has looked like a real talented CB. There was just one game that he was a bit slow but normally he has been consistent.

We normally talk about Stones, Laporte, Marquinhos. But he could end up being a cheaper and better player than the others. Definitely a player to watch.

Also I remember that he has played as LCB, but I don't know if he's left footed or not.

If we are realistic, Stones could go to City/Chelsea and Laporte to Barcelona. That's why Koulibaly would be a great choice.
 
He played LCB when I saw their 2 legs against Bilbao in the CL qualifying before last season. Looked alright. Not particularly agile like a Koscielny or Varane, but very strong and committed. Not sure about the rest.

 
I like him, watch him a few times with my mate being from Naples. He is a bit more talented on the ball than Smalling, but similar in style. Doesn't ever get bullied which would be the best trait about him I could say confidently.
 
Watched him a few times and thought to myself he would be a good option seeing as he's a LCB. Very composed on the ball and able to pick out passes from the back. He's also a tank who is very hard to get around.
 
Is his ability on the ball actually good? Though if Mourinho does take charge it wouldn't matter too much. He looks an asbolute unit - imagine the aerial prowess between him and Smalling.
 
DWelbz19 said:
Is his ability on the ball actually good? Though if Mourinho does take charge it wouldn't matter too much. He looks an asbolute unit - imagine the aerial prowess between him and Smalling.
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Yes.
 
The Stain said:
Yes.
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Sounds good to me then. Could definitely be an option as Everton, PSG, and Bilbao will hold out for audacious fees for Stones, Marquinhos (if he's avaliable), and Laporte.
 
So is he a Mangala-level player or better than Mangala?
 
VorZakone said:
So is he a Mangala-level player or better than Mangala?
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According to M.E.N. Jose wants Laporte. Different story everyday mind you. I am just wary with the way our defenders getting injured, that he might be the only one left and he buggers of to Africa for a tournament.
 
DomesticTadpole said:
According to M.E.N. Jose wants Laporte. Different story everyday mind you. I am just wary with the way our defenders getting injured, that he might be the only one left and he buggers of to Africa for a tournament.
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I reckon there's going to be fierce competition for Laporte, possibly United/City and maybe Barcelona too.
 
Can't see us getting Laporte. Haven't been impressed with Marquinhos for a while now. To be fair to him he doesn't play all that much at PSG and when he does he's often shunted out on the right. He could be worth taking a chance on, though. Koulibaly is a better player than Stones but with the latter you get an english player with potential to become special.

Tough one really. If we (Mourinho) can somehow persuade Laporte then that'd be awesome. After that i'd almost prefer Koulibaly over the others. I'd be happy if we could get any one of them mind.
 
First time I really saw him was this season against Juventus, and he did really really well. Talking about pace/power, he basically ran the whole pitch by himself and nearly scored at 1 point!

For a big guy who looks a little clumsy his passing is actually very good, would certainly fit our team well. Napoli won't sell for cheap though.
 
VorZakone said:
So is he a Mangala-level player or better than Mangala?
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Much better IMO.

Adam-Utd said:
First time I really saw him was this season against Juventus, and he did really really well. Talking about pace/power, he basically ran the whole pitch by himself and nearly scored at 1 point!

For a big guy who looks a little clumsy his passing is actually very good, would certainly fit our team well. Napoli won't sell for cheap though.
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He does that relatively often. Reminds me of Lucio in that regard. And he'd still be cheaper than Laporte and Stones.
 
NoPace said:
He played LCB when I saw their 2 legs against Bilbao in the CL qualifying before last season. Looked alright. Not particularly agile like a Koscielny or Varane, but very strong and committed. Not sure about the rest.

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Vidic-esque performance.

Seems very confident to play it out too.
 
Looks like a good defender in that clip. When do Napoli play next?

Can I please make a request? Can this LCB/RCB nonsense die with VG's term at this club.
 
Deschamps name dropped him for France.
 
JPRouve said:
Deschamps name dropped him for France.
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Is he still eligable?

Wiki:
"International Career[edit]
Kalidou Koulibaly was born and raised in France by Senegalese parents, and was therefore eligible for both nations. He played for the U-20 French side starting in 2011. However, in early September 2015, Koulibaly changed federations and joined the Senegal national football team. He made his debut on 5 September 2015 in an AFCON qualifier against Namibia in a 2–0 victory."
 
The Stain said:
Is he still eligable?

Wiki:
"International Career[edit]
Kalidou Koulibaly was born and raised in France by Senegalese parents, and was therefore eligible for both nations. He played for the U-20 French side starting in 2011. However, in early September 2015, Koulibaly changed federations and joined the Senegal national football team. He made his debut on 5 September 2015 in an AFCON qualifier against Namibia in a 2–0 victory."
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Apparently he isn't eligible.
 
French rugby called up a player who cant play for them so why cant their football equivilant?
 
He has a fantastic name, and is decent. What is there not to like?

I think it is imperative that the defender we sign should have some good footballing skills. Smalling is a decent defender but an awful footballer, so his partner should be comfortable on passing and running with the ball. Koulibaly is such a defender.
 
I have never seen him play, I don't even know how he looks.
 
He was good against Milan tonight, he covers the ground well and is comfortable on the ball, but first and foremost he's a defender. Him and Smalling could form the Two Towers!
 
If Laporte signs for Barca/City and Stones goes to Chelsea/City, Koulibaly could be our best option because Marquinhos and Gimenes are a bit unrealistic.
Also, Koulibaly would be cheaper than other defenders.
 
Fer said:
It seems that Everton want Koulibaly as Stones replacement:

http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2016/02/2...up-kalidou-koulibaly-as-john-stones-replacem/

http://metro.co.uk/2016/02/29/rumour-everton-want-transfer-of-napoli-star-kalidou-koulibaly-5724496/

http://talksport.com/football/evert...armarked-john-stones-replacement-160229186657

http://www.ilsussidiario.net/News/C...bbraio-2016-aggiornamenti-in-diretta-/683647/
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Ye.. No question they could offer higher wages but his agent called Napoli "a small club" a couple days ago so i dunno..

Sammer attended Napoli-Milan and could well have been there to look at him, along with other talented players in those sides of course. He's been linked to Bayern recently. Makes sense with Ancelotti coming in. @Balu , what you reckon?

I can imagine Conte being interested to snatch him for Chelsea as well. Then there's our supposed bid for him in January.

He doesn't lack suitors, that's for sure.
 
The Stain said:
Makes sense with Ancelotti coming in. @Balu , what you reckon?
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We're linked with several centerbacks, so yeah it's possible but not sure if we're more likely to sign him than for example Mustafi. I'm sure we'll sign a centerback in the summer though. Can't see us keeping Tasci and we simply can't rely on Badstuber, Benatia, Martinez staying fit. The latter might also move back to midfield under Ancelotti.
 
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