Thread by @JRcentre, Hakim Ziyech: Chelsea’s Newest Playmaker [Thread] This past Saturday, the 27 year [...]

Hakim Ziyech: Chelsea’s Newest Playmaker [Thread]

This past Saturday, the 27 year old Moroccan was announced as Lampard’s first ever signing at Chelsea football club, and our first of the summer. A reported fee of roughly 40m was agreed between Ajax & Chelsea bringing Ziyech to West London next season.

Ziyech caught the eye of many (Chelsea supporters specifically) during both Ajax’s monsterous semi-final run last season & his stellar performance at Stamford Bridge in November when he assisted 2 goals in a goal fest fixture.

In celebration of hitting 3k followers, this thread is intended to provide you with more insight on who Hakim Ziyech is from a footballing perspective & the reasoning behind him behind a refreshing signing for the club.

I’d like to first bring to attention the fact that Chelsea finally have a left-footed winger who’s is going to create far more than the likes of our current personnel. In Hakim, Chelsea are also getting an experienced CL performer who’s used to the big stage.

Ziyech’s most obvious best trait is his incredible crossing ability. He occupies the right half space while providing service with ease. A lot of the times, he attains a right wingfielder type role, similar to Kevin De Bruyne or Bruno Fernandes in this sense.

In the visual below, Hakim assists in our CL tie on a great back post ball. Notice his head is up the entire time able to bet quickly pick out his runner. Places the ball perfectly in the danger area where we were essentially helpless

An overlooked skill of Ziyech is actually his defensive work rate and tackling ability not only for wingers but for an overall defender’s standard. He’ll track back, win 50/50s, stick into tackles when necessary which is valuable at Chelsea. Very similar to Willian in this sense.

To break down the numbers quick: Hakim is averaging 2.94 tackles per90 & 6.3 ball recoveries per90 all time against British clubs in the Champions League.

This year in Eredivisie, Ziyech is averaging 2.1 tackles per90.

With Ziyech’s dribbling you are getting a creative & advantageous ball handler who is willing to take risks and invite double teams. You won’t see flair in him like a Pepe or Zaha, but the efficiency is surely there. On the eye he dribbles more like a KDB or Bruno Fernandes.

In regards to set piece situations, the Morrocan will organically become our reliant free-kick specialist in long ball/crossing situations. Might even see himself taking some direct FKs as well.

As far as Ziyechs role in the squad, he might not initially but will very quickly take Willian’s spot at RW. I can see him deployed under Frank as a natural RW in a 4-3-3, or an inverted right winger for a 4-2-3-1 lineup. When necessary, he can play SS/no10 as well.

Now for some numbers:
This season alone Ziyech was involved in 24 goals before leaving Ajax, which is a total of eight goals and 16 assists in all competitions.
He’s scored 79 total goals & assisted 97 throughout his 200-match tenure in the Dutch league. (0.88 G+A/90)...

Here are Ziyech’s all time (per 90) numbers against British clubs:

Goals- 0.21
Assists- 0.63
Pass Success- 73%
Attacking 1/3 Passes- 14.5
Dribbles Completed- 2.5
Chances Created- 2.1
Crosses Completed- 3.6
Ball Recoveries- 6.3
Tackles- 2.3

vs Chelsea 2019:

-162 minutes
-2 assists
-74% pass success
-28 attacking 1/3 passes
-4 chances created
-4 dribbles completed
-7 crosses completed
-8 ball recoveries
-4 Tackles

vs Spurs 2019:

-177 minutes
-1 goal
-1 assist
-75% pass success
-26 attacking 1/3 passes
-6 chances created
-4 dribbles completed
-8 crosses completed
-13 ball recoveries
-6 tackles

vs Manchester United Europa League Final 2017:

-90 minutes
-70% pass success
-15 attacking 1/3 passes
-4 dribbles completed
-2 crosses completed
-9 ball recoveries
-1 tackle

Ziyech’s all time (per 90) numbers against “big clubs” in UCL:

Goals- 0.28
Assists- 0.47
Pass Success- 74%
Attacking 1/3 Passes- 15
Dribbles Completed- 2.8
Chances Created- 2.1
Crosses Completed- 2.8
Ball Recoveries- 6.7
Tackles- 2.2

vs Real Madrid 2019:

-180 minutes
-2 goals
-72% pass success
-26 attacking 1/3 passes
-3 chances created
-7 dribbles completed
-7 crosses completed
-18 ball recoveries
-5 tackles

The Magician.

vs Juventus 2019:

-178 minutes
-2 assists
-83% pass success
-40 attacking 1/3 passes
-5 chances created
-5 dribbles completed
-2 crosses completed
-6 ball recoveries
-2 tackles

Overall Opinion:

I believe the 27 year old was brought into Chelsea to make an instant influence in the team. Ziyech is a polished veteran who has the experience that most of our squad lacks currently. Really expecting him to bring a new & refreshing element on the right flank.

But for now we wait and see how Ziyech blossoms in high-demanding Premier League football.

Thank you for reading the thread- RT's, likes & all feedback is always truly appreciated.

-JR

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