"In terms of impact, he's certainly the best in Ligue 1": how Denis Zakaria became the boss of AS Monaco

AS Monaco arguably made their best deal on this summer day in 2023. By managing to attract Denis Zakaria to the Rock for five seasons, the princely club invested in a player with an already established CV (Juventus, Chelsea) but whose consistency has sometimes been disrupted. Match after match, the Swiss is gaining momentum and justifying the 20 million placed on him almost two years ago. If physical problems still hold him back from time to time, the number 6 has become a leader and carries the team behind him. In his absence, things are going less well and ASM is coughing a little more. "There are really things to take from him in terms of his attitude and his commitment," sighs Thilo Kehrer, who feels his teammate is well in tune with his role as captain.

"A Monaco with and without him"

Appointed as such by Adi Hütter at the start of the season, the 28-year-old has taken on more weight across the board. "He has more responsibilities, but if he hadn't had the armband, he would still be the boss of the team," says his best friend Kilian Pagliuca. "It doesn't change his personality, but it's true that he's taken on more responsibilities. He'd never had the armband before, and I think it's given him something extra in terms of presence. I think he's also matured over time."

"His palette has expanded"

Present at the Stade Louis-II for the match against OM, his former teammate at Servette Geneva sees his progress as a confirmation. "I have the impression that France is discovering how strong he is, but he was a starter at Juve when he wasn't injured," recalls his childhood friend, now a professional in Germany. "For me, he is clearly the most important player in the squad. The one who links defense and attack, especially with his first pass which improves the game. There is a Monaco with and without him, he has a boss size." Rather discreet but loyal and above all hardworking, the Swiss international plays the regulator. Physically impressive, he enjoys transition but also knows how to temporize. "He has progressed in his game and can do a lot of things," analyses the assistant coach of a Ligue 1 coach. "He is capable of playing short, long, of being impactful on set pieces, of cutting passing lines... His range has expanded, even if in terms of impact, it is certainly the best there is in Ligue 1. He exudes a kind of intelligence."

"A top player in the shadows"

Which allows him to adapt to position himself in the right areas. The midfielder impresses with his dedication and his propensity to win duels. "He reads the game very well and makes compensations that no one sees," our interviewee continues. "He's always well positioned, anticipating. If he sees that he's being hampered under pressure, he's capable of moving out wide. He never strays from his usual style. He's a top player in the shadows." Aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, Zakaria has equipped himself with all the necessary equipment to recover at home and has surrounded himself with a chef. The Genevan feels good on the Rock and wants to lead his team to the Champions League again. After that, ASM will certainly have to use its elbows to keep its leader...