Denis Zakaria has emerged as a central figure in AS Monaco’s Ligue 1 resurgence, with his presence on the pitch closely tied to the club’s consistent results this season.
Since arriving in the summer of 2023, the 28-year-old Swiss international has become an indispensable part of Monaco’s midfield, combining defensive solidity with intelligent distribution.
His influence extends well beyond statistics, but the numbers alone offer compelling evidence of his impact.
With Zakaria in the starting line-up, Monaco have collected 45 points from 21 league matches—an average of 2.14 points per game.
In stark contrast, the team has managed only 8 points from the 8 matches he has missed, translating to just one point per game.
The difference is as stark as it is revealing: Monaco are significantly more effective when Zakaria is on the pitch.
This season has already become Zakaria’s most productive since turning professional.
In 21 Ligue 1 appearances, he has registered five goals and three assists—his best-ever offensive output in a single campaign.
Yet his contributions go well beyond goals and assists. His ability to shield the back line, disrupt opposition attacks, and initiate transitions has added vital balance to a Monaco side with lofty ambitions.
Zakaria’s journey to Monaco has taken him across Europe’s major footballing nations. He began his career with Swiss outfits Servette and Young Boys before making the move to Germany with Borussia Mönchengladbach.
There, he built a reputation as a tough-tackling, box-to-box midfielder. Subsequent spells at Juventus in Italy and Chelsea in the Premier League added further layers to his game, broadening both his tactical acumen and experience at the highest level.
Now in Ligue 1, he seems to have found a club and a system that fully harnesses his strengths. Monaco manager Adi Hütter has deployed Zakaria in a role that not only maximises his physical attributes but also allows him to act as the crucial link between defence and attack.
Whether breaking up play or launching counter-attacks, Zakaria’s presence has become a strategic cornerstone.
His versatility is another asset. Comfortable operating as a deep-lying midfielder or in a more advanced position, he adapts seamlessly depending on the tactical requirements of each match.
His positioning and reading of the game often compensate for moments when Monaco find themselves under pressure—providing a sense of stability that has been vital throughout the season.
In a league renowned for producing technically gifted players, Zakaria’s robust style adds a contrasting but complementary edge to Monaco’s otherwise fluid midfield.
His leadership qualities and experience from top European competitions have also been invaluable in guiding the club’s younger talents.
As the season enters its final stretch, AS Monaco will be hoping Zakaria maintains both his form and fitness.
If the numbers are any indication, their success may very well hinge on his continued presence in midfield.
For now, one thing is certain: Denis Zakaria is not just balancing the Principality’s midfield—he’s driving its campaign forward.
