As Duelbits ambassador, Salomon Kalou is adding his voice to the biggest conversations in football. A Champions League winner with Chelsea and an AFCON champion with Ivory Coast, Kalou brings a unique perspective on the Blues’ push for the top four, the stars to watch at AFCON, and the challenges ahead at the World Cup. In this interview, he shares his thoughts on leadership, transfers, and the rise of African talent, while offering insight shaped by his experience at the very highest level of the game.
You mentioned the aim for Chelsea this season in the Premier League should be top four, who do you see as the likely candidates to compete with them for those spots?
I think Manchester City and Arsenal are clearly fighting for the title, and for Chelsea that’s probably a step too far right now. But behind them, you’ve got Aston Villa who showed their quality again last week against Arsenal, so that makes four very strong sides. Beneath that, Liverpool can always come back into the picture, Crystal Palace are having a really good season, and Manchester United look like they’re slowly finding their way forward after some difficult times. So the competition is tough, but Chelsea should believe they can be right in that mix.
Reece James has said he feels “strong and amazing” after injury, how vital is his leadership on the pitch?
Reece is the captain, and when he’s fit he brings so much to the team. His energy, his defensive strength, and his ability to push forward, Chelsea really need that. But more than the football, he sets the tone. Young players look at him and see someone who came through the academy and now leads the team, and that’s powerful. In my time we had John Terry, who was the symbol of Chelsea’s identity and gave us that same belief. Reece is starting to play that role for this generation, and it’s important for the club to have that kind of leader.
Maresca has been rotating his forwards a lot, who do you see as Chelsea's best front four?
For me, the front four that gives Chelsea the best balance is Cole Palmer, Estevão, João Pedro and Pedro Neto. Palmer has already shown he can be the creative spark, Estevão brings that Brazilian flair and fearlessness, João Pedro gives you a focal point who can hold the ball and finish, and Neto adds pace and direct running from wide areas. Together they give Chelsea variety; creativity, flair, strength and speed, and that’s what you need to unlock different types of opponents
Liam Delap picked up another injury, what advice would you give to him off the back of his troubles?
Injuries are the hardest part of football. My advice would be patience. Don’t rush back, listen to your body, and keep working mentally as well as physically. Sometimes you feel left behind, but if you stay strong, your chance will come again.
Do you see Chelsea dipping into the transfer market for a forward in January?
January is always tricky, but if the right player is available, Chelsea will look. They have young talent, but sometimes you need an experienced striker to guide them. It depends on who is on the market and the club’s ambitions.
Jean Philippe Mateta is out of contract with Crystal Palace and has been in great form. Is he someone they could line up?
Mateta has shown he can score goals in the Premier League. He’s strong, he works hard, and he could be a good option. But Chelsea will look at many names, it’s about finding the right fit for the system.
The Blues have been linked with Burkina Faso forward Mohamed Zongo, how much have you seen of him?
I’ve seen clips, he’s quick, direct, and has a good eye for goal. But moving to Chelsea is a big step. It’s about adapting to the Premier League, the intensity, the pressure. He has talent, but it would be a big challenge.
Mohamed Salah is in the headlines this week after his explosive interview following Liverpool's draw with Leeds. What's your take on that situation?
Salah is the leader for Liverpool and Egypt, and when he speaks, people listen. But I think the way he expressed himself after the Leeds game was risky. At a club like Liverpool, emotions are always high, but when you go public like that it can create tension in the dressing room. I understand his passion, he wants to win, he wants standards to be high, but sometimes those words can overshadow the team. For me, the best leaders show that fire inside the dressing room and then keep the group united outside. Salah has the respect of everyone, but he has to be careful not to let frustration become a distraction.
Did you ever have similar situations to what we're seeing with Salah at Anfield this season?
Yes, at Chelsea we had moments when players spoke out. It happens in big clubs because the pressure is huge. The key is how the group responds, if you stay united, those moments can actually make you stronger.
Do you expect it to have ramifications on Egypt's AFCON campaign?
I don’t think so. When Salah puts on the Egypt shirt, he gives everything. The national team is different from the club environment, and I’m sure he will be focused on leading them at AFCON.
Sticking with Egypt, Omar Marmoush has had a quiet season so far at Manchester City, how do you expect him to perform at AFCON?
Sometimes players save their best for tournaments. Marmoush has quality, and AFCON is a stage where you can rediscover your confidence. I expect him to play with freedom and contribute to Egypt’s attack.
One big name that's maybe flown under the radar is Pierre Emerick Aubameyang. He's been in great form for Marseille and Gabon, how far can they go in this year's tournament?
Aubameyang is experienced and still scoring goals. Gabon are not always seen as favourites, but with a striker like him, they can surprise people. In tournaments, one player in form can make a huge difference.
With Morocco hosting, how much of an advantage do you think home support will give them?
It’s massive. Playing at home gives you energy, belief, and the crowd can push you through difficult moments. Morocco already have a strong team, and with the fans behind them they will be very dangerous. You also have to remember they’re riding the crest of a wave from the World Cup in 2022, where they made history, and they’re already looking ahead to being joint hosts in 2030. That sense of pride and momentum makes the atmosphere even stronger, it’s not just about one tournament, it’s about a whole era for Moroccan football.
Do you think African players are getting enough recognition in Europe compared to South American talent?
I think African players are respected, but maybe not celebrated in the same way. We have so many stars who perform at the highest level, but sometimes the narrative is different. That’s why AFCON is important — it shows the world the quality we have
Looking further ahead, Ivory Coast had an interesting draw in the World Cup, being paired with Germany, Curacao and Ecuador. What do you make of the opposition?
It’s a tough group, but I believe Ivory Coast have the quality to reach the knockout rounds. Germany are always strong, Ecuador are physical and organised, and Curacao will be motivated as underdogs, but Ivory Coast have players at the very highest level. With the right preparation and belief, they can compete with anyone. For me, the target has to be getting out of the group, and I’m confident they can do it.
Cape Verde were obviously an eye-catching qualifier from the African continent, and don’t play at AFCON. What do you expect to see from them in North America next summer?
Cape Verde are a great story. They play with spirit, and qualifying for the World Cup is huge for them. I expect them to enjoy the moment and try to surprise bigger nations. That’s the beauty of the World Cup.
How important is it for smaller nations to make their mark at a World Cup?
It’s very important. When a smaller nation performs well, it inspires the next generation and shows that football is for everyone. It also brings pride to the continent. Senegal in 2002 is the perfect example.
Senegal face France who they famously beat in the 2002 World Cup opener. How do you see them faring?
France are still one of the strongest teams in the world, but Senegal have shown they can rise to big occasions. That victory in 2002 is part of their history, and it gives them belief that they can do it again. With the quality they have now, players competing at the highest level in Europe, they won’t go into the game with fear. It will be tough, but Senegal have the talent and the mentality to cause problems for France.
Ghana drew England and Croatia, as well as Panama, how do you expect them to perform against two European giants?
Ghana are a team built on intensity and unpredictability. England and Croatia are experienced sides, but Ghana’s pace and athleticism can really unsettle them. The key will be consistency, because Ghana can look brilliant one game and then struggle the next. If they find that balance, I think they have the tools to shock one of the big European teams and put themselves in a strong position to qualify.
Do you think they’ll take any inspiration from Senegal’s recent victory over the Three Lions?
Of course. When you see another African team beat England, it gives you belief. Ghana will look at that and know it’s possible. Inspiration is powerful in football.
Your former club Lille are in a strong run of form, with Lens also top of the league, competing well with European champions PSG. Does Ligue 1 get enough respect from fans in other countries?
Ligue 1 is underrated. People talk about PSG, but the league has many strong teams and produces incredible talent. Look at the players who came from France, they are everywhere in Europe. Lille and Lens are showing that it’s not just about PSG.
