Denis Zakaria

Location: Mönchengladbach, Germany

We must appreciate him for maintaining his house. It is impeccable considering that he's a single lad. (Image: imgur.com)

The comparisons that he receives to Paul Pogba are never-ending. He's a generational talent, just like the Frenchman. However, he's also a very grounded person. His football started for fun, and to give him an opportunity to stay away from the streets. It took a serious note when he decided to drop out of business school and pursue the game full time. He plays in a number 8 role, but he's a shapeshifter who is capable of playing in multiple positions on the midfield. He's more defensive-minded, and his strength and aggression allow him to pry the ball away from his opponents. He started with the Geneva-based Servette's academy in 2004. The Maroons granted him his first-team debut in 2015. His move to Young Boys was in the same year, and a couple of seasons later, he signed up for the Foals. A refined gentleman, this 23-year-old midfielder has been attracting interest from clubs across Europe in the last year or so. It could be because he's a successful passer, makes high-intensity runs, and comes out winning on most duels that he gets into. An undeniable fact is that he's more than a defensive clog, and this widespread interest is well justified. This young midfielder could have represented Congo too, but chose to play for the Swiss team instead. He has been a member of their national team since 2016, and even made it to the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia. He has played for their U19 and U21 teams as well.