Denis Zakaria appeared to exceed Graham Potter’s expectations are marking his Chelsea debut with a goal in their Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb
Graham Potter claims Denis Zakaria did “more than we asked” after marking his Chelsea debut with a goal.
The Swiss midfielder was signed on loan from Juventus by Thomas Tuchel in the summer but has had to wait for his Blues debut. He marked it in style as he notched what would prove to be Chelsea’s winner as they saw off Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League with the midfield linchpin earning huge praise from his manager.
Zakaria started in midfield alongside Jorginho and Mason Mount, tasked with protecting his side’s back four after they conceded four in the loss at Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday. The 25-year-old is yet to be exposed to the Premier League, but highlighted his quality on the European stage.
Potter said on his debutant: “I thought he was really good. You can see what he brings, the quality he has and he played with enthusiasm. He had good discipline and got forward when he could. I was really impressed with him. He certainly did more than we asked which was to give us competition there. He did everything he could. He helped the team and scored – a great debut.”