When Chelsea secured Denis Zakaria on a deadline-day loan from Juventus, the move flew under the radar. Unlike high-profile signings, Zakaria arrived with little fanfare—a low-risk deal overshadowed by memories of underwhelming loan spells like Saúl Ñíguez’s. But dismissing the Swiss international as just another squad filler would be a mistake. Jeetwin dives deep into why Zakaria might be the stealth signing Chelsea needs.
Why Zakaria Could Be Chelsea’s Midfield Solution
At 25, Zakaria is far from a finished product, but his career trajectory suggests untapped potential. Before an injury-plagued stint at Juventus, he was a standout at Borussia Mönchengladbach, earning comparisons to Patrick Vieira for his physicality and box-to-box dominance. Liverpool even monitored him this summer, hinting at his latent value.
Adam Owen, former Servette coach and Zakaria’s early mentor, recalls his rapid rise:
“He was a standout at 17—physically dominant, technically sound, and hungry to prove himself. His ability to drive forward and break up play was evident even then.”
Zakaria’s blend of defensive grit and progressive carries (averaging 1.5 dribbles per game in his last Bundesliga season) makes him a unique asset. His 90% passing accuracy also hints at reliability in possession—a trait Chelsea’s midfield has lacked at times.
The Juventus Setback: What Went Wrong?
A collision with Yann Sommer derailed Zakaria’s momentum at Juventus, but his underlying stats remained solid.
Zakaria’s time in Turin was marred by injuries, notably a brutal collision with teammate Yann Sommer. Limited to just 11 Serie A appearances, he never settled. Yet, Fabian Otte, Gladbach’s goalkeeper coach, insists his quality is undiminished:
“When fit, he’s an elite ball-winner with explosive power. Juventus’ loss could be Chelsea’s gain.”
Tactical Fit: How Zakaria Elevates Chelsea
Strengths:
- Defensive Shield: Averaged 2.3 tackles/interceptions per 90 in the Bundesliga.
- Ball Progression: Ranked among the top 15% of midfielders for carries into the final third.
- Versatility: Can play as a lone #6 or in a double pivot.
Areas to Improve:
- Consistency: Needs a run of games to rediscover peak form.
- Injury Resilience: Must prove he can handle the Premier League’s physical demands.
Expert Verdict: High Reward for Low Risk
Owen, now at Hibernian, believes Zakaria’s best is yet to come:
“His ceiling is still high. With the right coaching and fitness regime, he could thrive in England.”
For Chelsea, this loan is a no-brainer. If Zakaria stays fit, he could solidify their midfield and even justify a permanent move. If not, the financial exposure is minimal.
Conclusion: A Diamond in the Rough?
Denis Zakaria: Chelsea’s Underrated Midfield Gem That Could Surprise the Premier League
While not a marquee name, Zakaria brings attributes Chelsea sorely need. His blend of physicality, defensive acumen, and ball-carrying could make him a fan favorite—if given the chance. As the season unfolds, Jeetwin will be tracking his progress closely.
What’s your take? Can Zakaria succeed at Chelsea? Share your thoughts below and follow Jeetwin for more in-depth analysis!
