The Wizard of Amsterdam is all set to make London his next Hogwarts. Hakim Ziyech agreed on a five-year deal in February with Chelsea starting next season. Recently, the Morrocan was awarded as the 2019/20 Player of the Season by his previous club Ajax in his last season with the Dutch giants.
Ziyech will officially be the first player of the Chelsea rebuild plan under Frank Lampard. This is because of the lack of incoming players due to the transfer ban that the club faced in the past season. Now that the ban is lifted, the Blues have an arsenal of funds that they could use in this Covid-19 hit transfer market.
Ziyech showed the world his real capabilities when Ajax had their dream season beating Real Madrid & Juventus to progress in the Champions League. He is definitely one of the best in his position in the world right now. Today we take a look at how the winger could tactically improve Lampard’s Chelsea next season.
How Hakim Ziyech Will Improve Chelsea
Chelsea’s Poor Crossing Statistics
The Londoner’s positional statistics this season revealed that only 15% of their attacks came from the right-wing, according to WhoScored. This suggests that the right half-space has been a concern for Lampard’s camp going forward.
Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League table currently. But they are not even in the top six sides when crosses per game (22 pg) are considered. Most of the attacks have come through the middle with the midfield pushing through the central areas.
The 27-year-old from Ajax is evidently one of the best crossers in world football currently. This could really benefit Chelsea. In addition to this, if Chelsea can really grab up a striker in the next transfer window who is a lethal header of the ball, Ziyech could create his magic with immediate effect.
Ziyech’s Impact in the Final Third
Chelsea have been really ineffective in the final third this season. Many of the attacks which start in the midfield are neutralised by the lack of creativity in the opposition area.
Though Mason Mount has been clinical this season, he has lacked an eye for creating fruitful chances for his team-mates. Christian Pulisic has been injured for the major portion of this season.
Ziyech comes with his baggage of skills which ooze creativity and magic in front of the goal. Right from sublime and pin-point crosses to left-footed thunderbolts in the top corners – Ziyech has got it all. He is what Chelsea probably needs currently.
Ziyech Will Make Sure Fans Don’t Miss Willian or Pedro
Veterans Willian and Pedro are in the last few months of their contract. The two experienced starlets have looked a bit shaky this season but their absence would surely leave a void in the squad. The depth would be reduced quite a bit.
More importantly, Pedro and especially Willian have been contributing a lot to Chelsea’s goals for the last three to four seasons. This is something the Blues will miss.
Ziyech had six goals and 13 assists for Ajax before the season was cancelled by the Dutch Federation. Not only would he fill in for Willian in the lineup, he probably is an upgrade over the Brazilian currently.
There is no doubt Ziyech in the Premier League this season is going to be a treat for all the fans of English football.
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