Denis Zakaria, a dynamic midfielder with experience in top-flight football across three European countries, is set to add England to his list after signing for Chelsea on transfer deadline day. Let’s delve into his journey from the Swiss youth leagues to the Premier League.
From Geneva to the Big Stage
Zakaria’s footballing odyssey began in Geneva, Switzerland, at Servette FC. He progressed through their youth ranks, showcasing his talent in both defense and midfield at the Under-17 and Under-18 levels. In 2014/15, he shone for their Under-21s in the fifth tier.
He made his senior debut for Servette in November 2014, coming on as a substitute in a victory over Lausanne. This was just ten days before his 18th birthday. He quickly became a regular feature on the bench, and even starred in their final five games, including scoring a winning goal in his first senior start.
Despite his impressive performances, Servette were relegated due to financial irregularities, forcing Zakaria to move on.
Rising Through the Ranks
His next destination was Young Boys, a club in the Swiss Super League. After a couple of substitute appearances, Zakaria cemented his place in the starting lineup, where he remained for 18 consecutive matches, missing just one due to suspension.
At just 19 years old, he was already making waves, transitioning from his debut in the second division to a regular starter in a title-contending team. He helped Young Boys finish second in the Swiss Super League and qualify for European competition.
This meteoric rise also earned him his international debut for Switzerland, a dream come true for the young talent.
A German Adventure
Zakaria’s remarkable progress caught the attention of clubs across Europe, leading him to Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany in 2017. He slotted straight into the starting lineup, making 33 appearances in his first season and establishing himself as a key player for the Swiss national team.
He further solidified his standing by anchoring the midfield in two crucial World Cup qualifying play-off matches, helping Switzerland overcome Northern Ireland. He then made his debut in a major international tournament, holding Brazil to a draw in Switzerland’s opening match at the 2018 World Cup.
A Well-Rounded Midfielder
Over the next few seasons, Zakaria continued to flourish, demonstrating his athleticism and versatility in both defensive and attacking roles. He also began contributing goals to his game, netting four times in the Bundesliga in the 2018/19 season.
His consistency was further highlighted in the 2019/20 season, where he missed just one game due to suspension, before suffering a serious knee injury that unfortunately cut his season short.
A Juventus Interlude
Zakaria’s remarkable career trajectory led him to Juventus in January 2022, after his contract with Borussia Monchengladbach expired. He wasted no time in making his mark, scoring on his debut for the Italian giants.
Despite his short stint at Juventus, he played a key role in their Coppa Italia final appearance in May.
A New Challenge Awaits
Now, Zakaria is ready to embark on a new chapter in his career, joining Chelsea. His extensive experience, versatility, and undeniable talent make him a valuable addition to the Premier League, and fans eagerly await his impact on the English football scene.
Zakaria’s journey is a testament to his dedication and talent. He has risen from the Swiss youth leagues to the biggest stages in European football, playing for elite clubs and showcasing his ability on the international stage. As he steps onto the pitch at Stamford Bridge, he carries with him the spirit of a determined and ambitious player, ready to make his mark in the Premier League.
