Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel hopes Kalidou Koulibaly can emulate Thiago Silva by becoming a key player for the club for years to come.

Koulibaly, 31, completed his £33m move from Napoli this week.

Silva has been a solid performer for Chelsea despite being deep into his 30s, and Tuchel hopes Koulibaly can do the same.

"That's what we believe and that's what he is here for," Tuchel said at the Allegiant Stadium, via the Evening Standard.

"There were always rumours about him leaving Napoli and it was always super difficult – and in the end impossible – to get him because he was a key player.

"It's nice he takes the challenge right now and we have Thiago Silva, who is even older and super experienced and still at the peak of his game. We hope Kalidou can do the same and play for many years for us.

"He is totally fit and ready for the challenge and he needs to be because we need him in top shape."