Denis Zakaria runs with the ball during the UEFA EURO 2020 quarter-final match between Switzerland and Spain. (Photo by MAXIM SHEMETOV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea midfielder Denis Zakaria has explained his nickname of ‘the Octopus’ given to him by his teammates. Speaking to Standard Sport, the loanee explained the reason for the same.
“It’s because I have very long legs! I win a lot of balls in midfield, so that is why they said octopus. It was funny and it was positive, I hope!”
Zakaria joined the Blues on a season-long loan from Juventus on deadline day which was surprising to many. The west London club have an option to buy for £30 million should the 25-year-old impress during the season.
The midfielder was signed by former manager Thomas Tuchel. But the 25-year-old is yet to play a minute since arriving on the deadline day.
While Tuchel did not get the opportunity to use him, Graham Potter too has not availed the option. There is some fear in the minds of the Blues fans that he could turn out to be like Saul Niguez’s loan move from last season.
Saul had a very bad time at the west London club, with the Atletico Madrid midfielder struggling to perform in the middle of the park. But that need not necessarily be the case with Zakaria.
The Swiss international could play a pivotal part in the days to come. With the fixtures being very congested till the World Cup and then after, the 25-year-old could be deployed in either midfield or centre-back to cover for any injury or tired player.
Fans will hope that the midfielder can perform whenever he is offered the opportunity and lives up to the nickname given by his teammates. It remains to be seen when the player makes his debut, but it is likely not very far.
He was not in the squad for our 3-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers, where Ruben Loftus-Cheek partnered Jorginho at the heart of our midfield.
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