According to a recent tweet by the Athletic’s James Pearce, Liverpool has been linked with a move for Borussia Monchengladbach defensive midfielder Denis Zakaria, but Jurgen Klopp is content with his current options in midfield. Pearce’s post on Twitter read, “Been told that the speculation about #LFC and Ryan Fraser is wide of the mark. Claims that they are in talks over a January move dismissed as ‘nonsense’. Liverpool have also recently been linked with Denis Zakaria from Gladbach but Klopp happy with his midfield options.”
Sky Deutschland had claimed towards the back end of last month that the Reds were among a whole host of clubs monitoring the development of the Gladbach rising star. However, it now seems like Klopp is happy with his current squad, especially in the defensive midfield department where Fabinho has emerged as an integral piece over the past few months.
Fabinho’s Incredible Start Has Eased Klopp’s Midfield Concerns At Anfield
The Brazilian put in a heroic display in his team’s 3-1 win over the Premier League champions, Manchester City last weekend. He managed to open the goal-scoring with a brilliant strike from long range and put in a battling performance at the centre of the park. Hence, it’s difficult to see why Liverpool will opt to bring in another player in the same position unless he wants to add more competition for Fabinho.
The Recent Emergence Of Denis Zakaria In German Football
Zakaria has made a fabulous start to this campaign as well after he put in several eye-caching displays in the Bundesliga over the past couple of months. He has been a dominant presence in the Gladbach midfield and has been a joy to watch thus far. The Swiss prospect has featured in 17 matches for the German outfit this term, scoring two goals while creating one assist on all fronts.
On the defensive end, he has made an average of 2.4 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 0.8 clearances per game in the German top-flight (stats via whoscored). The 22-year-old has also secured 24 international caps for the Switzerland national side and has registered three goals for his country in the process.
What Does The Swiss International Offer On The Pitch?
Zakaria has decent pace under his locker which helps him cover a lot of ground in midfield. He excels at breaking down the opposition plays and is always willing to put in a tireless shift at the middle of the park. The Swiss sensation also has a good football IQ and can play some crisp passes in the opposition half.
Did Klopp Make The Right Call?
However, it is uncertain whether he would be able to cope with the physicality and high intensity of the Premier League. Therefore, it makes sense for Klopp to be happy with his current first-choice midfield options in Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum. Even then, Zakaria is a player to watch out for so Liverpool should keep a close eye on him and move in for him when they are in need of a new face in midfield.
