Plays a bit like: Patrick Vieira
"I've been compared to [Patrick] Vieira and [Paul] Pogba – two more players I really respect and, in a way, see as role models. When I watch videos of them I think I'd like to play that way," Zakaria has said previously. There is plenty more to come from the Gladbach player – who can also fill in at the back – and the signs are there that another Vieira or Pogba-styled long-limbed midfielder is on the rise. Strong, full of running, great in the tackle and a fine passer, Zakaria is quickly developing into an all-round midfielder in the same mould as former Arsenal and France midfielder Vieira.
What they’re saying
"It's not easy to compare him to the greats of the past, but he combines many qualities that were really defined by Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane." - Gladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer "Denis is getting closer to his best and we’re all very happy to see that. He’s a really important player for our team." - Gladbach coach Adi Hütter
"I'm glad that Gladbach have found another pearl. At his age I was earning my first stripes for Borussia. He reminds me of Toni Kroos at that age." - German football great Lothar Matthaüs
I find it interesting that this could be the club’s best mercato since summer 2011, but @Badass Dybala is nowhere to be seen because his hero Tici has been humiliated so badly.
Unless all the reports I was seeing were gross, 2.5m net is a dream and insanely good. He'd be our second cheapest CM just ahead of McKennie who is paid in McDonalds fries and quarters.
I find it interesting that this could be the club’s best mercato since summer 2011, but @Badass Dybala is nowhere to be seen because his hero Tici has been humiliated so badly.