Denis Zakaria refuses to compare himself to Paulo Pogba or Patrick Vieira and insists he has an excellent opportunity to develop at Juventus and in Serie A.
The Switzerland international joined the Old Lady on a permanent €4.5m deal from Borussia Monchengladbach in the January transfer window. His contract was due to expire in June 2022, so the Serie A giants managed to sign him on the cheap. He scored on his Serie A debut against Hellas Verona in February, along with the other big January signing, Dusan Vlahovic.
“It was a perfect night. I came here to prove what I can do and that goal helped me to introduce myself. However, I am not going to relax now. I have many things to do,” he told DAZN.
The 25-year-old has recently returned to action after a muscle injury and is expected to be available on Sunday when the Bianconeri host Inter at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.
“Juventus-Inter is an important game, regardless of the table. It’s not necessary to explain the importance, I know it’s a big game in Italian football. We know how important it is for us and our fans,” he said.
“I feel better, I’ve been working a lot. It was frustrating because I came here to play. Nobody likes injuries, especially after you join a new club.”
How has he settled in Italy and what are the differences between German and Italian football?
“After five years in Germany, it was important to start a new adventure. When I learned about the opportunity of joining Juventus, I didn’t think twice about it. It’s a great opportunity,” the midfielder admitted.
“There is a lot of attention on tactics and defence. I have the feeling that young players put in more commitment which is something that I like and it’s really positive. I don’t know if the league suits my characteristics, I am a versatile midfielder and can adapt to every playing style. I did well in Germany and I think I can do the same in Italy.”
Zakaria has been compared to some of the greatest box-to-box midfielders, such as Patrick Vieira and Paul Pogba, two ex-Juventus stars.
“It’s exciting to be linked to big players, but as I’ve always said, I am Denis Zakaria,” he said.
“I have my own style, with due respect to all footballers. I have special characteristics, I don’t think I am a Pogba or a Vieira. There are many similarities, but I remain Zakaria.”
#Juventus, #Zakaria: 'Né Pogba né Vieira, sono Denis. #Inter? Daremo tutto per vincere' https://t.co/mJCDV3YXSR pic.twitter.com/dhmoG0RhCP
— calciomercato.com (@cmdotcom) March 31, 2022