Why Chelsea must reignite their interest in Hakim Ziyech

According to The Telegraph, Chelsea will be monitoring Ajax playmaker Hakim Ziyech for the rest of the season in a bid to sign him in the summer. The report also suggests that boss Frank Lampard was frustrated after failing to land Ziyech in January.

Ziyech, 26, who came through SC Heerenveen’s youth ranks, moved to Ajax in the summer of 2016. He has established himself as one of the best playmakers in Europe and was impressive in the club’s run to the semi-finals of the Champions League last year.

He racked up 20 goals and 24 assists across all competitions for the club last season and has continued the same form into this term.

Meanwhile, the Blues haven’t capitalized on their good start to the season and have lost several points over the past few months. One of the chief reasons behind their inconsistency is the lack of senior players in the attacking unit.

Willian put in some impressive performances earlier but has faded lately. Veteran winger Pedro Rodriguez has fallen down the pecking order along with Olivier Giroud and Michy Batshuayi.

Chelsea have lacked creativity in their games and Christian Pulisic, who started the season well, has been out of action for a long time after picking up an injury. Therefore, the club must revive interest in Hakim Ziyech.

The 26-year-old has featured in more than 300 first-team games for clubs like Heerenveen, FC Twente Enschede and Ajax.

Ziyech terrorized Chelsea’s defence earlier this season in the Champions League group stages and has been consistently delivering the goods. This season, he has found the back of the net 8 times and has provided 21 assists across all competitions, helping Ajax sit comfortably on top of the Eredivisie table.

A right-winger by trade, the Morocco international is capable of playing behind the striker and in the midfield too. He is capable of providing ample scoring chances for the likes of Tammy Abraham.

Read more

• Why Chelsea must plot a summer swoop for Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell
• Why Chelsea should not sell Jorginho amidst interest
• Why Chelsea should make a move for Ajax’s Andre Onana in the summer

Verdict

With Willian and Pedro not at their best, Lampard’s decision to bring in Ziyech in the summer would pay off handsomely.

Therefore, the Blues must make their interest known in the playmaker and should land him for £42m.