[ad_1]
“I told you,” says Hans de Jong, former coach of Hakim Ziyech’s youth team in Heerenveen.
He just witnessed Ziyech’s impressive performance in Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Sheffield United, a victory orchestrated by the club’s new signing from Ajax. A wonderful left boot that gave two assists to help Frank Lampard’s team secure another three important points.
“It seems very comfortable and relaxed,” says De Jong. Sky sports.
The other players recognize his qualities and that is important ”.
How could they not recognize it? Ziyech was at the heart of Chelsea’s best work, even aside from the expert crossover who delivered goals to Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva.
In all, he created six opportunities. Not only the most of any player on the field and more than the entire Sheffield United team combined, but he equals the record set so far this season by Kevin De Bruyne in the opener of Manchester City’s campaign.
Ziyech’s pass through Chelsea in their 4-1 win over Sheffield United
It was a Ziyech pass down the line that penetrated Sheffield United’s defense and allowed Mateo Kovacic to find Tammy Abraham in the middle for Chelsea’s tying goal as well.
Timo Werner had a chance to make an assists hat-trick for the Dutchman, hitting the post in the second half. He later made peace with the fourth goal.
Frank Lampard can feel like it all comes together.
“People expected our attacking players to click on the first day of the season, but of course that doesn’t happen,” he said. Sky sports After the match. “It’s a work in progress, and movement and relationships on the field is something you have to work on.
“There are great signs, but we have to keep going.”
2:44
Ziyech’s move to Chelsea was confirmed long before the rest of the summer arrivals, but he was the last of them to start a game for the club, following a preseason injury. Greater attention was paid to the enormous potential of the young German duo of Werner and Kai Havertz.
But after having to wait until the last day of October to make his first Premier League lineup, Ziyech has made a big impact. Chelsea has scored at least three in his four starts.
Ziyech’s performance for Chelsea against Sheffield United
“He has been out of football for a long time due to injury, so starting the way he did is a great signing,” added Lampard. “It is a great advantage for us and it will continue to be so.
“We played against him in the Champions League last year and I met the player last year and he is a top player. You can see that from afar, but when you work with him you are even more impressed by how you see his personality.”
That personality was evident in his post-match interview. When Ziyech was told that he might have been looking for an area when he was throwing his crosses, he disagreed.
“No, I always look at them before I take the ball,” he said. Sky sports. “I think just eye contact is enough for us. I’m not afraid to pass or whatever.”
2:09
At 27, Ziyech is at the end of his career to make the move from the Eredivisie to the Premier League. That can sometimes lead to difficulties. But the positive is that you are mentally prepared for this challenge. He is used to being a great player and willing to take responsibility.
“He is a top player, a very complete player,” Lampard said. “To start racing like he has done is a huge advantage for us. There are some great lefties in the Premier League, but he gives a lot more than that. I’m really impressed with his attitude.
“He wants to know about the plans for the next opposition.”
4:04
It’s the kind of attitude that could help Ziyech have a great season. The kind of attitude that could help Chelsea have a great season. It already seems at home in the Premier League.
“I feel comfortable,” he confirmed later.
“He has always had this tranquility,” adds De Jong. “You couldn’t go crazy. He thought about things and what he wanted.
“That’s pretty good if you can do it.”
It is already evident to everyone that Ziyech can.
[ad_2]
