Kalidou Koulibaly believes Napoli teammate Faouzi Ghoulam “can be our captain one day, as he’s the best left-back in the world.”
The defender spoke to Algerian television station El Heddaf TV.
“I am very close to Faouzi and we share a room at training camp, so I feel a little lonely now that he’s injured,” confessed Koulibaly.
Kalidou Koulibaly believes Napoli teammate Faouzi Ghoulam “can be our captain one day, as he’s the best left-back in the world.”
The defender spoke to Algerian television station El Heddaf TV.
“I am very close to Faouzi and we share a room at training camp, so I feel a little lonely now that he’s injured,” confessed Koulibaly.
“Maurizio Sarri is right to say his absence has a big impact on the team. Everyone knows the contribution he brings on the left. He is also a very positive presence in the locker room and I hope he’ll be back soon, because we really miss him.
“I am very happy he signed a new contract, as I was afraid he’d leave. I encouraged him to sign the extension and remain with us at Napoli, as he’s very important if we are to achieve our objectives.
“I see Ghoulam as a real leader at Napoli who could one day be our captain. I realise there’s Lorenzo Insigne after Marek Hamsik, but Ghoulam could take the armband in future.
“At this moment, Ghoulam is the best left-back in the world. I don’t say that because he’s my teammate, but because it’s the truth.”
Koulibaly also gave credit to Napoli Coach Sarri for his own progress.
“My first season was needed to adjust, as I had to learn and understand Italian football, but with Sarri’s arrival, I made enormous progress.
“We learn something new from him every day and in tactical terms, Sarri really perfected us. We just keep improving.”