Why Denis Zakaria is the perfect player for our 20/21 team.

[Short thread]

Firstly, some information on Denis Zakaria:

-Defensive Midfielder
-23 years old
-6’2
-80 kg
-Currently playing for Borussia Mönchengladbach
-Swiss international

This season, Zakaria has either played as a lone DM or on the left side of a double pivot.

Zakaria always looks to help the defenders with always trying to find space between the lines so the defenders have an easy option to pass to.

Zakaria is one of the best players in the Bundesliga when it comes to defending, averaging 10.01 recoveries and 5.88 interceptions per game.

A big factor in why he’s so good is how much pace,stamina & strength he has.

Zakaria if need be can also play as a centre back, at times this season, he has dropped into a 3 at the back as the central defender.

Zakaria has a very strong physique and he uses this to his advantage a lot, he often wins duels by positioning his body well.

When his team is in the opponents half, Zakaria is in a deep role dictating play and also being a safe option to pass back to if need be.

He averages 33.8 passes per game, only 3 players from Mönchengladbach have averages more this season in the Bundesliga.

Zakaria has completed 89.4% of 828 passes this season in the Bundesliga.

He has very good vision, he can find passes both long and short but most of the time Zakaria will just play the easy option.

Zakaria since young has been praised for how good his understanding of the game is, not just being able to dictate play but he always knows when to go forward and when to stay.

In the final third Zakaria is dangerous due to his great technical ability and quick feet.

Sometimes Zakaria will pick the ball up deep and drive forward, like Giovani Lo Celso does.

Zakaria has scored 2 goals in the Bundesliga this season, let’s break down one of them.

Zakaria is in his natural position currently.

After player movement further up the pitch, there is a big space that has been created, of course due to Zakaria’s high footballing IQ, he realises this and runs into it.

Following into the space, a chance opens up and after a beautiful first timed finish, Zakaria scores his second goal of the season.

Why he would fit perfectly at Tottenham:

Zakaria would be able to fit into any midfield system we play, he could play in a 3 man midfield with Lo Celso & Ndombele, sitting just behind them.

Or he could play in a double pivot with either.

Zakaria

Ndombele-Lo Celso

That would be our best bet imo, all 3 midfielders can do everything, the interchange would be amazing, Ndombele could cover Zakaria when he attacks.

Thanks for reading.

[End of thread]