Zakaria looks for form as Monaco face Nordsjaelland
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
AS Monaco captain Denis Zakaria is out of form and hopes to recover at Louis II tonight against Nordsjaelland in the Conference League.
Denis Zakaria has worn the captain's armband at AS Monaco through a run of matches that have done little for his reputation. The midfielder's influence on the pitch has faded noticeably in recent weeks, with performances falling short of what his status at the club demands.
The 29-year-old gets a chance to turn things around this evening at Stade Louis II, where Monaco host Danish side Nordsjaelland in the Conference League, kicking off at 21h00. It is a competition that has treated the club kindly so far this season, offering Zakaria a stage on which to rebuild momentum away from the pressure of Ligue 1 fixtures.
How he responds will matter beyond one match. A captain who cannot find his rhythm affects the balance of the whole squad, and Monaco's supporters at Louis II will be watching closely to see whether tonight marks the start of a recovery or another frustrating evening for their midfielder.