Chelsea outcast Denis Zakaria has been given reassurances by Graham Potter that he is an “important member” of the squad at Stamford Bridge.
What’s the word?
Speaking to the media ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash at Brentford, the 47-year-old was asked for an update on the situation regarding the Juventus-owned midfielder, who has not yet lined out for the Blues and even failed to make the bench at times.
Having been asked about Zakaria’s place in the squad, amidst rumours that his loan move could be cut short in January, Potter said (via Chelsea’s official website): “No decision has been made at all.
“Denis has been in the group. He’s been training well, he’s ready to help the team. Obviously there is competition for places in that area, but there’s no talk of anything.
“He’s an important member of the team. He’s being patient. He’s trying to help the team from the side at the moment, and waiting for his chance.”
Potter’s backing
Signed by Tuchel, ignored by Potter is the simplest way to describe the situation around Zakaria at Chelsea – that is until the latter issued an update on the scenario publicly, and it’s one which bodes well for the midfielder in what makes for something of a twist.
It seems that the 25-year-old will indeed get a chance at Chelsea, with the boss taking note of his patience and his ability to support the team from the sidelines.
The fact that the Swiss ace still hasn’t been given minutes in the team amidst N’Golo Kante’s ongoing injury layoff is rather worrying, but following Potter’s latest admission it looks as though that may change in the near future.
Excelling during his time at Borussia Monchengladbach, the Switzerland international clearly has the ability to thrive as a defensive-minded midfielder.
Averaging around 21.97 touches in the defensive third and penalty area from a total of 51.74 touches per game, there is no doubt that Zakaria would bolster this Chelsea side, with his well-roundedness enough to see him excel in the engine room for Potter’s side, no matter the system.