If those in power at Chelsea have any sense, they will make Denis Zakaria's move a permanent one.The Switzerland international has had to wait quite a while for opportunities under Graham Potter, but he's now taking them by the scruff of the neck.Zakaria, who is on loan at Chelsea from Juventus with an option to buy for £26 million, started against Manchester City on Thursday evening and performed magnificently.Yes, the Blues suffered a 1-0 loss at Stamford Bridge courtesy of Riyad Mahrez's second half goal, but Zakaria really held his own in the middle of the park.Alongside the experienced Mateo Kovacic, the former Borussia Monchengladbach man went toe-to-toe with Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Rodri, impressing throughout both defensively and offensively.There were a number of times Zakaria produced some bona fide magic with the ball and the best moment of the lot came late on when Chelsea were chasing an equaliser.It was shades of prime Yaya Toure from the 26-year-old in west London - and believe us when we say that's not hyperbole.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: Denis Zakaria of Chelsea runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on January 05, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)Zakaria's fancy footwork and brute strength were so good that a video clip of it quickly went viral on social media after the match.Check out the footage...
Video: Zakaria's beautiful footwork during Chelsea 0-1 Man City
Oh we forgot to say, Zakaria's switch of play was pretty tasty too.
Here's how fans reacted to the midfielder's late brilliance against City...
So, what next for Chelsea after City defeat?
Chelsea's 1-0 loss to City means they sit 10th in the Premier League table on 25 points, 10 fewer than Manchester United in fourth.
Champions League qualification looks nigh on impossible for the Blues at this moment in time, particularly with their plethora of injuries to key players.
Both Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic hobbled off the pitch in the first half versus City, which really was a hammerblow for Potter.
To make matters worse for the Chelsea boss, his team do battle with Guardiola's City all-conquering team again in the FA Cup on Sunday.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: Graham Potter, Manager of Chelsea, reacts during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on January 05, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
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After that, it's a home fixture against Crystal Palace in the Premier League, before a daunting trip to Liverpool.
Things aren't going to get easier for Potter anytime soon, although the signing of the hugely talented Benoit Badiashile may help galvanise the squad during what is a very difficult patch.
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