Denis Zakaria-The Midfield Maestro?

Denis Zakaria

Manchester United are in a three-way transfer battle for Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Denis Zakaria. Ole’s main target was A holding midfielder. But nothing was finalised. Nevertheless United bolster their midfield with the more creative Donny Van De beek.

Who is Denis Zakaria?

Zakaria at Young Boys

He was Born and raised in Geneva and grew at local club Servette FC. Zakaria started to make a name for himself for Switzerland’s Under-19. He was soon scouted by Swiss giants. Young Boys signed him as an 18-year-old in 2015. Making 67 appearances across two seasons as they finished runners-up in successive years. He immediately became an important player for the club.

He moved on to G’ladbach in 2017. At the age of 19 he made his senior international debut for Switzerland. He immediately made an impact registering 96 appearances. He played an important role in leading G’ladbach the best start to the season.

Style of Play:

Zakaria in action

He’s been referred to as a defensive midfielder. Zakaria occupies deep positions for club and country. He’s a much more dynamic and skilful operator than a rudimentary enforcer. He possesses athleticism and physical prowess necessary to dominate the midfield.

Zakaria is a player more known for his engine in the middle of the park, capable of driving forward with the ball at his feet, but also dropping back and shutting down the opposition. Likewise Mönchengladbach manager Marco Rose, has even utilised the 6ft 2inch figure at centre-back; given his versatile nature.

Zakaria-A Wonderkid

The Swiss Midfielder completed 100 per cent of his passes in his first four Bundesliga matches. Immediately showing those around him that he means business. The towering figure is a dominant midfield force who plays the easy pass when he has the opportunity. Defence-minded player Zakaria did still score twice in 2017/18 and provide three assists.

He made two substitute appearances at the 2018 World Cup after a superb debut campaign. He averaged 1.29 tackles and 1.43 interceptions per game in the Bundesliga last term. Additionally 2.0 successful dribbles and 38 passes with an 86.7% success rate. Solid numbers all-round, illustrating his versatile skillset.

Zakaria at the Old Trafford?

United’s in need for a domineering central midfielder. Pogba is the man he’d certainly replace at United.  At 6ft 2ins he has the physical attributes just as Pogba. At just 23-years-of-age, the Swiss International is certainly a highly regarded talent. Zakaria would be the ideal fit for the Premier League .

 

Author: Aditya Desai