Chelsea transfer target Granit Xhaka impressed during his first World Cup game since being linked to the club, although it was Denis Zakaria who stood out as they booked their place in the Round of 16.
The Blues have now sent two bids to Sunderland for Xhaka, although appear to have got nowhere yet as they hang on to hope of keeping their captain.
Chelsea want Xhaka to publicly announce his desire to leave, however his focus for now will be on the World Cup, with Switzerland taking on Algeria last night.
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Chelsea target Granit Xhaka outshone by Denis Zakaria in Switzerland 2-0 Algeria
The Swiss picked up a routine 2-0 win over Algeria, with Swiss media being impressed by Xhaka’s performance. Bluewin stated that the midfielder grew into the game as it continued.
They said: “Is subjected to close marking by Ramiz Zerrouki; Xhaka is challenged the moment he gets near the ball. He becomes more prominent and influential in the second half. He takes a heavy hit when Boudaoui scythes him down (73rd minute).”
The highest praise was reserved for former Chelsea midfielder Denis Zakaria, who played in an unfamiliar right-back position.
Bluewin said: “Returns as right-back after a two-game break. He struggles initially (getting nutmegged by Ait-Nouri) but then grows in confidence and improves: making numerous forward runs and producing a superb ball recovery in the opposition box (46th minute) that leads to the 2–0 goal.
“Shortly after, he makes a crucial save at the back to deny a Mahrez shot. Then he charges up and down the flank. The best Swiss player.”
Chelsea will not be worried if Xhaka isn’t putting in player-of-the-match performances, but there may be some wondering about the talent they didn’t utilise in Zakaria when he was at the club.
Zakaria never got a chance at Chelsea
After signing on loan in the final moments of the 2022 summer transfer window, Zakaria would go on to hardly feature during Graham Potter’s time in charge of the club.
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Thoughts?
One of his only significant appearances came against Manchester City, where teammates and pundits alike were very impressed with what they saw.
Mauricio Pochettino did not want Zakaria in his side when he arrived at the club, seeing him move on to Monaco where he showed his talents on a far more regular basis.
The versatility he has shown during the World Cup to play as a full-back would have also been a significant boost for Chelsea if they had given him the chance to succeed in West London.
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