Graham Potter has claimed in his post-match interview with the club that he was impressed with the performance of Chelsea’s Denis Zakaria last night.
The Blues fell to another defeat in the Premier League, as a Riyad Mahrez goal saw them lose 1-0 to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
A double injury blow in the first 15 minutes was certainly not helpful for the hosts. Both Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic were forced off the pitch early on, with Mason Mount ruled out before kick-off.
This left substitutions in a precarious position, with Potter only allowed to use one more opportunity during the match to make changes.
One player who wasn’t replaced though was Zakaria, and that was fully deserved based on his performance.
The Switzerland international was extremely good against the press, showing similar qualities to his midfield partner Mateo Kovacic.
Potter praises Zakaria
It is now three starts in a row since the World Cup break for the 26-year-old, and with displays like yesterday’s it makes it hard for the former Brighton manager to drop him.
Potter claimed he was extremely impressed by the bravery and brilliance of his performance.
He said: “I thought he did great. I thought the crowd liked his performance. He won the ball back, covered the ground, was brave with the ball, got out of tight situations well.
“Gave everything. It was a positive individual performance.”
After the trio of consecutive starts, the Switzerland man, he may be afforded a rest when the Blues make the trip to the Etihad for the FA Cup rematch in just a couple of days’ time.
With a London derby to come next week against Fulham, who are currently above the Blues in the league, Zakaria’s performance will certainly have put him in contention for a start in the Chelsea midfield.
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