Kurt Zouma’s shaky display in the 0-0 draw against Sevilla in Chelsea’s opening Champions League game of the season is a cause for concern, according to former England striker Michael Owen.
Zouma gave away possession on several occasions but the errors were not exploited by the Spanish side.
Owen, working as a pundit for BT Sport, said the Frenchman’s display was in stark contrast to his veteran centre-back partner for the evening, Thiago Silva.
Silva excelled and his mere presence was a key factor in Chelsea keeping a clean sheet, Owen said.
“But Zouma next to him fills you with a bit of fear,” Owen added. “But as soon as you see the ball go into Silva you relax and that’s what the whole team will be feeling that.
“As soon as he in possession or is part of the team he spreads that confidence to everybody.”
Blues boss Frank Lampard was full of praise for Silva, whose presence made a huge difference.
“I thought he was very good,” Lampard said at his post-match press conference.
“I spoke about quality and experience before the game and he brought both of those and that affects others around him.
“He was a big plus in terms of us getting a clean sheet.”