Denis Zakaria shines in Monaco back three as centre-back question grows | OneFootball

Monaco captain Denis Zakaria has excelled as an emergency centre-back across the last four matches, raising the prospect of a longer-term switch.

L'Équipe notes that Monaco have readopted a back three favoured by Sébastien Pocognoli. They have kept three clean sheets in four during this spell, with Zakaria arguably Monaco’s standout against Juventus 0-0, Rennes 4-0 and at Nice 0-0.

His move has been driven largely by absences for Dier, Mawissa and Salisu, and a return to midfield against Nantes is not excluded.

William Niederhauser, who moved Zakaria into midfield at Servette’s under-21s after early stints at centre-back and right wing, believes he can thrive deeper. He points to box-to-box qualities, technique under pressure, reading of play, front-foot duelling and tactical maturity to steer and slow opponents.

Former Switzerland defender Johan Djourou argues it is often simpler to drop back when you have managed pressure, tight spaces and scanning in midfield. He says the role demands passing quality, intelligence and patience, and that Zakaria is quick, robust and reads the game well, giving him the attributes to become a very good centre-back.

Djourou adds that mistakes are costlier at centre-back and suggests Zakaria could be more proactive in certain moments. Niederhauser says a back three likely offers extra security, though Zakaria already compensates team-mates’ ventures effectively.

Zakaria’s own stance is pragmatic, stressing he is happy to help the team and would gladly continue there if the clean sheets keep coming.

Source: L'Équipe