Hakim Ziyech
Chelsea supporters are counting down the days until Hakim Ziyech’s Premier League debut. Though patience will be required for Ziyech adjust to life in England, his former Ajax teammate Donny van de Beek, who also made a summer switch to the Premier League with Manchester United, is confident that he will soon adapt and showcase his qualities.
Donny van de Beek explained: “Yes, if I hear all the reports, I will assume that it is already far. I wish him everything and hope he will do very well there. It is a step he deserves in my opinion. He is a fantastic football player, so I am confident that he will do well. I think it’s a very nice club with a lot of young players that can grow. I think Hakim will certainly be in [the right] place. Everyone, of course, had their opinion about that, but I think it’s a nice club for him.”
Van de Beek is not the only one who is confident that Ziyech will make a big impact in England.
Rio Ferdinand said “We watched Ziyech last season for Ajax, he was magnificent. He reminds me a little bit of [Riyad] Mahrez but he crosses the ball a little bit more. He’s someone who’s really always trying to find a way to unlock defences with his delivery. A lot of guile.”
Whilst the arrival of Kai Havertz was arguably the Blues’ biggest signing of the summer, the arrival of Ziyech is also a very exciting addition according to former Manchester United and England star Rio Ferdinand. The £37.4million recruit from Ajax has missed the start of the new season after picking up an injury in the Blues’ first pre-season outing against Brighton. The Moroccan international, who has established himself as one of the best players in Europe, has now returned to fitness having played for his country during the international break and will be chomping at the bit to make his competitive debut for the Blues against Southampton on Saturday.
