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Denis Zakaria Scouting Thread:
(Who is he and how would he fit at potential suitor clubs, namely Dortmund and Manchester United.)
Let's get straight into it.
+ 
are much appreciated if you enjoy. <3
(Who is he and how would he fit at potential suitor clubs, namely Dortmund and Manchester United.)
Let's get straight into it.
+ are much appreciated if you enjoy. <3
Denis Zakaria is a 23 year old Swiss midfielder from Bor. M'Gladbach, in the Bundesliga.
At 6'2 (1.9 m) and 176 lbs (80 kg), Zakaria is a tall, but lean player.
That being said... strength is NOT an issue for this young star.
At 6'2 (1.9 m) and 176 lbs (80 kg), Zakaria is a tall, but lean player.
That being said... strength is NOT an issue for this young star.
His strength and defensive qualities are obvious.
Averaging 2.3 tackles and 5.88 interceptions per game.
Compared to Fred, who averages 2 tackles per game and 1.4 interceptions, a clear upgrade in those stats.
Zakaria also averages 10.01 recoveries per game. HIGH numbers.
Averaging 2.3 tackles and 5.88 interceptions per game.
Compared to Fred, who averages 2 tackles per game and 1.4 interceptions, a clear upgrade in those stats.
Zakaria also averages 10.01 recoveries per game. HIGH numbers.
*Quick aside...*
Graphic credit to @StatsBomb of course. Legends.
I've found conflicting sources on his stats here, but the general consensus is: Very much above average.
Graphic credit to @StatsBomb of course. Legends.
I've found conflicting sources on his stats here, but the general consensus is: Very much above average.
His pace is also one of his strongest qualities.
Makes him an outstanding cover CB in a back 3 formation... interested yet Ole and Lucien?
Just some pictures for evidence sake: (credit to @FelixPichler3)
Makes him an outstanding cover CB in a back 3 formation... interested yet Ole and Lucien?
Just some pictures for evidence sake: (credit to @FelixPichler3)
Now looking at his positions...
Zakaria is probably the most versatile player in the Bundesliga this season. Playing multiple games as a defensive mid, both centerback positions, as well as a box to box position.
Gladbach isn't very consistent with tactics...
Zakaria is probably the most versatile player in the Bundesliga this season. Playing multiple games as a defensive mid, both centerback positions, as well as a box to box position.
Gladbach isn't very consistent with tactics...
The majority of his games have been played in a double pivot, which is where his usefulness would be found at Dortmund.
Despite interest in Camavinga and Bellingham, Dortmund have been investigating the idea of snatching another midfielder with high quality at both ends.
Despite interest in Camavinga and Bellingham, Dortmund have been investigating the idea of snatching another midfielder with high quality at both ends.
Generally using a 343 this season, Dortmund would probably use Zakaria as a long term replacement for Witsel, who is already 30 years old.
This would pair him up with Can, allowing Zakaria to provide a more safe passing option and dictate play, while Can plays as a ball winner.
This would pair him up with Can, allowing Zakaria to provide a more safe passing option and dictate play, while Can plays as a ball winner.
In general, it would be a straight swap at Dortmund.
Zakaria and Witsel are VERY similar, and both run the game from the midfield as both an outlet and a link to the attack.
While playing in the double pivot, Zakaria has found an innate ability to find the space and fill it.
Zakaria and Witsel are VERY similar, and both run the game from the midfield as both an outlet and a link to the attack.
While playing in the double pivot, Zakaria has found an innate ability to find the space and fill it.
As seen in these two pictures (credit to @FelixPichler3 for these) Zakaria has truly mastered the ability to find space, turn, and play from there.
*End of Dortmund Segment... (it was pretty straight forward tbh)*
*End of Dortmund Segment... (it was pretty straight forward tbh)*
Next up... a more likely landing spot... MANCHESTER UNITED.
Another team with varying systems, and I think Zakaria will be an absolute game changer here.
A jack of all trades defensively, he fills so many gaps both depth-wise and as a starter.
Another team with varying systems, and I think Zakaria will be an absolute game changer here.
A jack of all trades defensively, he fills so many gaps both depth-wise and as a starter.
First of all, with United's new revelation signing, Bruno Fernandes, the midfield just got a lot more defensively instable.
Fred, Pogba and McTominay are not players you want as a lone holding mid. They simply do not have the defensive capabilities.
Fred, Pogba and McTominay are not players you want as a lone holding mid. They simply do not have the defensive capabilities.
Signing Zakaria, a seasoned vet as a lone holding DM, gives you the option of a dream midfield. But with an upgrade.
Call me biased, but Bruno, Pogba, and Zakaria is probably the best midfield in the premier league.
But not without Zakaria. (or someone similar.)
Call me biased, but Bruno, Pogba, and Zakaria is probably the best midfield in the premier league.
But not without Zakaria. (or someone similar.)
The other place I see Zakaria being an absolute god send to Ole, is as a center back.
With Bailly struggling with injuries, United often have to fall back on backup CBs who are just not good enough.
What happens when Ole tries to play a back 3 but Bailly and Lindelof are hurt?
With Bailly struggling with injuries, United often have to fall back on backup CBs who are just not good enough.
What happens when Ole tries to play a back 3 but Bailly and Lindelof are hurt?
Currently, you fill the gap with Phil Jones (or whoever. Tuanzebe is my prefered but not the point.)
An additional amount of depth at CB for a team who plays a 3 center back formation is NEVER frowned upon from my perspective.
An additional amount of depth at CB for a team who plays a 3 center back formation is NEVER frowned upon from my perspective.
Personally, I believe that this is the absolute DREAM signing for Ole and Manchester United.
Yes, I would spend the money here instead of Sancho.
Get this deal over the line and you have your midfield for the next 5 years. Maybe longer.
Yes, I would spend the money here instead of Sancho.
Get this deal over the line and you have your midfield for the next 5 years. Maybe longer.
While Dortmund would simply benefit from added depth, I truly hope they don't sign him. It would be a waste of cash in a postion we don't need help in. Raschl still in the pipe and just signed Can.
United though...
They would be stupid not to do this.
United though...
They would be stupid not to do this.
Couple of references I used...
https://totalfootballanalysis.com/player-analysis/denis-zakaria-201920-scout-report-tactical-analysis-tactics
https://statsbomb.com/2019/10/borussia-monchengladbachs-high-speed-attack-is-dominating-the-bundesliga/
And a lot of YouTube/FOX Sports lmao
https://totalfootballanalysis.com/player-analysis/denis-zakaria-201920-scout-report-tactical-analysis-tactics
https://statsbomb.com/2019/10/borussia-monchengladbachs-high-speed-attack-is-dominating-the-bundesliga/
And a lot of YouTube/FOX Sports lmao
Hope I taught you guys something, or helped you understand one of my favorite players in the world right now.
**End of Thread**
**End of Thread**
