Napoli splashed out around 8 million to bring the French central defender to Stadio San Paolo from Genk in the Jupiler Pro League. Quite a fee, considering that Belgium's top flight isn't considered to hold the strongest pool of defensive talent in Europe. The 23-year-old is excellent in the air, standing tall at 6ft 2inch, winning the majority of his aerial battles and performing excellently whenever the Partenopei are besieged deep in their own penalty area. Strongly build, armed with plenty of power and a slight turn of pace, Koulibaly has all of the makings of a very frustrating opponent. Rafa Benitez's decision to move on Federico Fernandez in favour of the former France U21 international shows the faith he has in his new man, with recent performances against Barcelona and Athletic Club suggesting that Koulibaly has a strong season ahead of him.
