Simon Phillips: Graham Potter trusts Carney Chukwuemeka more than Denis Zakaria
According to journalist Simon Phillips, while speaking to Give Me Sport (h/t Express), Chelsea boss Graham Potter trusts Carney Chukwuemeka more than Denis Zakaria.
Both the midfielders were signed this summer. Chukwuemeka arrived from Aston Villa, while Zakaria was signed on a season-long loan deal from Juventus on deadline day.
While the former Villa midfielder has played twice for the Blues this season in the Premier League, the Juventus loanee is yet to start or come on from the bench for the west London club.
The situation with Zakaria is not believed to be good. It is believed that the 25-year-old has failed to make an impression on Potter and the club could look to end his loan spell prematurely in January.
It is really surprising that a 19-year-old, who is relatively inexperienced, is preferred over a more experienced player like the 25-year-old midfielder. Zakaria was a regular for German side Borussia Monchengladbach before joining the Old Lady in January earlier this year.
Zakaria has made a total of 186 appearances in top-division football since 2015. Undoubtedly, the Swiss international is far more experienced than the 19-year-old Chukwuemeka. The 25-year-old is also a regular for his country.
Potter is an experienced manager. If he trusts a 19-year-old with relative experience over an experienced midfielder, there must be a reason. Chukwuemeka, on his part, has impressed both the times he has played, especially in the goalless draw against Brentford earlier this week.
More Chelsea News:
- Chelsea join Newcastle United and AC Milan in race to sign Arnaut Danjuma
- Chelsea boss Graham Potter impressed with Trevoh Chalobah and offered verdict on his England chances
- Chelsea are keeping tabs on Juventus and USA international midfielder Weston McKennie
It remains to be seen if the Juventus loanee can improve his situation at the club. No player likes to sit on the bench and if his playing time does not improve, he may too look to seek fresher pastures.