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Carlo Ancelotti has tipped Salomon Kalou to develop into one of Chelsea's best players following his decision to sign a new three-year deal.
Standard Sport revealed in August that Chelsea were close to agreeing terms despite reports he would leave at the end of the season on a free transfer due to a lack of first-team football.
Kalou, who has scored 31 goals since joining from Feyenoord for £3.5million in 2006, has struggled to establish himself in the starting XI due to the form of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka.
But Chelsea have now tied the World Cup-bound Ivory Coast striker to a new deal, a move made even more important by the transfer embargo placed on the club by FIFA last month.
The Blues are ready to appeal the ban but if Ancelotti is unable to bring in any new faces until January 2011, squad players like Kalou will become even more important. Ancelotti said: "I am very pleased that Salomon has signed a new contract with us as he is an important player.
"He is always well motivated and works hard at his game at all times. Because of this I am sure that Salomon will become an even more important player for Chelsea in the future."
Chelsea will now turn their attentions to finalising new long-term contracts for defender Alex and midfielder Joe Cole.
Reader views (2)
"Woeful" - come on - he is still young, has technique and speed just needs to improve in front of goal - like Babel at Liverpool or Bendtner at Arsenal with time and a run in the team think he could come good - is a model pro, come off the bench a number of times with some good contributions and all in all is a really good squad player trying to get better and break into the 1st X1 on a regular basis.
- Melly, Cartagena, Colombia
Well, he needs to start "improving" soon. His first four seasons have been woeful...
- Paul, Feltham
