Whilst watching Chelsea beat Barnsley 1-0 in the FA Cup 5th round match last Thursday, I was taking time to observe Hakim Ziyech extra closely.
The former Ajax man was bought in to add flair and creativity to Chelsea’s attack, but at the moment I have my concerns abut him.
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There is absolutely no doubting his clear quality, creativity, and a very dangerous left foot. There is no doubting what he can bring to this team and add some real spark to it in attack.
However, whilst watching him continuingly getting more and more frustrated with himself against Barnsley last week, it was evident to me where the concerns are.
The physicality of English football, and Ziyech himself has even mentioned that the pace of the game has surprised him just last week.
But whilst I was watching him constantly and easily being pushed off the ball by Barnsley’s players on Thursday, it was clear to see that if he wants to make it in England, he is going to need to get a lot stronger on the ball.
Many players have come to this league and mentioned the physicality, it can literally be the difference to whether they make it here or not.
Now whilst I am far from writing Ziyech off, and there are clearly other aspects to it like his reoccurring injuries, and the fact he is missing his family, but for him to make it at Chelsea like we all want to see, he needs to be much stronger on the ball.
The fact remains, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Mason Mount are in great form and nailing down those two attacking positions in the hole, as well as Kai Havertz and Timo Werner who are both expecting to start, there is A LOT of competition for very few positions, Ziyech could easily slip way down the pecking order unless his form continues.
He needs to work hard not to complain about playing time at Chelsea. Every manager been brought in has his style of play. Just imagine players Lampard was planning to sell are the players Thomas is using today. There is no team at his level when he goes there he… Read more »