Graham Potter had previously selected the 26-year-old in our final group-stage match in the Champions League and then in the Carabao Cup at Manchester City. Zakaria then went away to the World Cup with Switzerland but after returning, Potter had no qualms about including him when the league matches began again this week. The player impressed.

‘Whenever Denis has played he has not let us down,’ states Potter.

‘Playing in the Champions League against Zagreb, he scored and he showed his quality.

‘He's had to be patient. We had some good options in midfield and you have to remember, we didn't lose anything for the first few games so it was hard for him to get that opportunity.

‘But he's remained professional and worked really hard and that's why he got his rewards on Tuesday night with a decent performance and contribution to a win.’