42-cap star ‘can win Potter’s trust’ at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea star Denis Zakaria ‘could now stake a claim for a regular spot’ in the Blues’ midfield after putting in an eye-catching debut performance at Stamford Bridge and earning Graham Potter’s trust, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The west Londoners spent more than £250million during the summer transfer window and the 25-year-old was among the acquisitions on deadline day.

What’s the latest news involving Zakaria?

Although Zakaria joined Chelsea on a season-long loan from Juventus, which includes the option of being made permanent, he had to wait until Wednesday to make his debut.

But the former Borussia Monchengladbach man made a lasting impression as he grabbed what proved to be the winner as the Blues overcame Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.

As a result, Chelsea finished top of Group E, but Zakaria’s match-winning performance came just a matter of weeks after it appeared his days in the capital were already numbered.

That is because head coach Potter was reportedly looking to terminate his temporary agreement at the turn of the year and a return to parent club Juventus was on the cards.

It is understood that Potter and co-owner Todd Boehly were set to hold crunch talks with Zakaria last month after failing to break into the first-team picture.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What has Simon Phillips said about Zakaria?

Phillips understands that Zakaria had to wait more than two months to make his first Chelsea appearance as he had not gained Potter’s trust.

But, having impressed against Dinamo Zagreb, the journalist now feels the 42-cap Switzerland international could become a key man at Stamford Bridge.

Phillips told GIVEMESPORT: “There were sources telling me that Potter wasn’t quite sure about him or whether he trusted him enough to put him on the pitch.

“There’s a situation that’s now developing where, after he’s had that first appearance, he could now stake a claim for a regular spot in the Chelsea midfield.

“Of course, Chelsea have got the option to buy him in the summer if they want to.”

Will Zakaria become a key man after the World Cup?

Considering Zakaria registered a match rating of 7.3 against Dinamo Zagreb – meaning only Ben Chilwell, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Christian Pulisic performed better – it is highly unlikely that his loan spell will be cut short.

It would not make sense for Chelsea to send him back to Juventus as N’Golo Kante underwent surgery on a hamstring injury and is still expected to be out for close to four months.

Also, there are doubts over Jorginho and Kante’s long-term futures as their respective contracts are due to expire next summer, potentially opening the door for Zakaria to earn a permanent move to Stamford Bridge.

If Zakaria impresses while at the World Cup in Qatar – where Switzerland will come up against Brazil, Serbia and Cameroon in Group G – he could be in the forefront of Potter’s plans when domestic football returns.

You can find all of the latest football news and rumours right here

News Now – Sport News