#9 Kalidou Koulibaly – Napoli
At 6ft 5 inches, Kalidou Koulibaly would, at face value, look like a typical centre-back who is not very good with the ball at his feet, but is strong in both the air and his tackling.
However, this is far from true. The Senegalese centre-back is very good with the ball at his feet and was key in some of Napoli’s wonderful build up play that they produced last season.
Koulibaly, in a similar number of games played and time on the pitch, has made more total passes and forward passes than new Chelsea signing Antonio Rudiger, and Leonardo Bonucci, two rival Serie A centre-backs last season. Not only that, he also has a greater pass success rate than the two rival centre-backs, showing how good the Senegalese centre back is on the ball.
Koulibaly is a very important cog in the Napoli machine, if they are to challenge for the title next season they will know it is important Koulibaly stays fit and part of the team because his ball playing abilities are crucial.
