Boehly Has Already Signed N’Golo Kante Replacement At Chelsea

Amid all the brouhaha surrounding N’Golo Kante’s contract and his injury woes at Chelsea, it seems that the Blues owner Todd Boehly, has already signed a replacement for the Frenchman.

Earlier this week, Chelsea announced that midfielder N’Golo Kante is expected to be out of action for four months following a successful operation on his hamstring.

It means he will miss the Qatar World Cup with France in what is another unfortunate setback for the 32-year-old. However, as they often say, one man’s loss is another man’s gain and Denis Zakaria could be one positive to come out of a sad situation.

Having seen N’Golo Kante ruled out for four more months, Chelsea may have to turn to Denis Zakaria in order to keep their midfield fresh before the winter World Cup.

The Juventus loanee Denis Zakaria, whose deadline day arrival was billed as the necessary defensive-minded addition to the midfield in light of N’Golo Kanté’s injury.

And the need for that addition has certainly proven prescient, with Kanté confirmed out for four more months after already missing the last two. And yet, Zakaria has yet to get off the bench. So what gives?

According to head coach Graham Potter, it’s a question of depth charts and tactics rather than anything personal.

“Denis is in the group and has been training well. He is ready to help the team but there is competition for places in that area. He is an important member of the team and is patient and trying to help the team from the side at the moment. He is waiting for his chance.”

Zakaria is yet to play for Chelsea after signing on a season-long loan on deadline day and has seen 19-year-old Carney Chukwuemeka seemingly promoted above him.

The Swiss international remains “an important member of the team” according to Potter, and now may be the time to use him.

Although it’s probably not the way he would have wanted his opportunity to come about, Zakaria could get the breakthrough he needs as a result of Kante’s absence.

Standing at 6ft 3in tall, the Swiss international offers physical strength and an additional aerial threat in front of the defence. He is also known for chipping in with goals and assists, as well as possessing the mobility to cover large amounts of ground despite his stature.

Speaking after Zakaria’s transfer was confirmed on deadline day, Blues owner Todd Boehly said: “Denis is a talented midfielder with lots of quality and skill. He will add depth and range to our squad this season, and we are looking forward to watching him play in Chelsea blue.”

Everything you need to know about Denis Zakaria

What position does Zakaria play?

Denis Zakaria is primarily a defensive midfield player, although he has also operated frequently as a more advanced box-to-box midfielder for Juventus and Borussia Monchengladbach. He has also filled in as a centre-back on occasion.

What squad number does Zakaria wear?

Denis Zakaria  wears the No.20 jersey for the 2022/23 season after Callum Hudson-Odoi vacated the number following his loan departure.

He wore 28 on his shirt for Juventus, as well as his first two clubs Servette and Young Boys in Switzerland. Zakaria was No8 during his five seasons in Germany with Borussia Monchengladbach and has mostly switched between eight and 17 for the Swiss national team.

How many Champions League appearances has Zakaria made?

Denis Zakaria has played nine games in the Champions League. That includes one in the last 16 for Juventus last season after joining the Italian club in January, plus five for Borussia Monchengladbach in 2020/21 and three games for Young Boys, although they were all in the qualifying rounds.

How many goals has Zakaria scored?

Although predominantly a defensive player, Denis Zakaria has 16 goals to his name in 234 senior club appearances. He scored one Serie A goal at Juventus, on his debut in a 2-0 win over Hellas Verona, having previously found the net 11 times for Borussia Monchengladbach, all in the Bundesliga. He also scored twice each for Young Boys and Servette.

How many appearances did Zakaria make for Juventus?

After joining Juventus in January, Denis Zakaria played 15 times for the Bianconeri in the second half of last season and early stages of the current campaign. 11 of those came in Serie A, as well as one Champions League appearance against Villarreal in the last 16 and three games in the 2021/22 Coppa Italia as Juventus reached the final before losing to Inter Milan in extra time.

How old is Zakaria?

Denis Zakaria was born on 20 November 1996, meaning he is 25 years old.

How tall is Zakaria?

Denis Zakaria is 6ft 3in – or 1.91m – tall.

Where is Zakaria from?

Denis Zakaria was born in Switzerland’s second city Geneva – where he also began his football career with Servette – to parents from South Sudan and Congo.

How many international caps does Zakaria have?

Denis Zakaria has made 40 senior international appearances for Switzerland since making his debut in a friendly defeat to Belgium in May 2016.

It was a warm-up game ahead of that summer’s European Championship and Zakaria was named in their final squad, although he was an unused substitute during the tournament.

However, he has represented Switzerland at the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020, as well as the 2019 Nations League Finals. The midfielder has scored three times for his country, against Iceland in the Nations League and both Georgia and Gibraltar in Euro 2020 qualifiers.