Ryan
Shawcross says he is surprised Chelsea allowed Kurt Zouma to leave on loan
as he rates his new Stoke team-mate as "the ultimate defender".
Stoke captain Shawcross has been so impressed with Zouma he has branded him
one of the best in the country.
The French international, who has moved to the Potters on a season-long loan
from Stamford Bridge, has been an ever-present so far, bar the 90 minutes
against his parent club.
Shawcross told The Sentinel: "He's quick, he can jump really high, he can
pass the ball, he can shoot, he doesn't get beat one-v-one. He's like the
ultimate defender.
"I think Toby Alderweireld and Kurt are the top two centre halves in the
country at the moment.
"I wasn't surprised we got him because obviously we've got a good link with
Chelsea, but I was surprised they let him go just because they've not had
the greatest starts and I really do think he's going to turn out to be one
of the top centre halves in the country.
"For them to let him go to us is fantastic for us, but surprising.
"I think Kurt has done brilliantly. He's played a lot of games previously
and it's a great test for him to come here."
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