Denis Lemi Zakaria Lako Lado is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Premier League club Chelsea, on loan from Juventus and the Switzerland national team.
In June 2017, Zakaria signed a five-year contract with Borussia Mönchengladbach. He was transferred as a replacement for Mahmoud Dahoud who left the club for Borussia Dortmund.
On 31 January 2022, with six months remaining on his contract, Zakaria moved to Serie A club Juventus on a four-and-a-half-year contract, in a deal worth €4.5 million. On 6 February, Zakaria scored on his debut in the 61st minute, helping his side beat Hellas Verona 2–0.
On 1 September 2022, Zakaria was loaned to Premier League club Chelsea till the end of the 2022–23 season with an option of a permanent transfer at the end of the season.
How good is Denis Zakaria?
Zakaria has been described as a midfield powerhouse due to his pace, strength, athleticism and aggressive playing style.
He is also known for being a composed passer and for making surging forward runs from midfield.
Primarily a defensive midfielder, he is also capable of playing as a central midfielder, in a holding role, or a box-to-box role, and has even played as a central defender.
What position does Denis Zakaria play?
Denis Zakaria is a Chelsea midfielder who is yet to make a Premier League appearance since joining the club on September 1, 2022.
His characteristics and playing style have led Zakaria to be compared with former France international Patrick Vieira as well as Paul Pogba.