Zaka surprises Corinthians, earns internal praise and could play against Coritiba | OneFootball

Zaka, also known as Zakaria Labyad, has impressed Corinthians in training and could feature against Coritiba on Wednesday.

According to Globo.com, despite friction at Parque São Jorge over his Memphis Depay-recommended signing, the Moroccan has stood out at CT Joaquim Grava and is winning the confidence of Dorival Júnior’s staff.

He had been set for an individualised pre-season after going without a match since November last year, and there was some scepticism given his arrival from Chinese football, considered less demanding physically and technically than the Brazilian game.

Once cleared by the fitness team and introduced to ball work, he even surprised head coach Dorival Júnior. To ease communication, staff have taken to calling him Zaka.

In sessions he has been used as a quick midfield option, stationed closer to the forwards than the holding players, linking play, arriving in the box and finishing when required.

His role differs from Rodrigo Garro, viewed as more of an organiser. Rather than launching team-mates, Zaka’s strengths are close control in tight spaces and short combinations to progress play.

With his fitness up to speed and performances positive, he is in line to be among the substitutes at Neo Química Arena. Depending on how the game develops, he could make his Corinthians debut.

Source: Globo.com