Ziyech In the world of football, statistics often play a large role in determining a player’s value and impact on the game. However, there are some players who possess qualities that cannot be solely measured by numbers. One such player is Hakim Ziyech, a talented midfielder from Morocco who has made a name for himself in the Dutch Eredivisie with Ajax and is now making his mark in the English Premier League with Chelsea.
The Evolution of Hakim Ziyech: From Unorthodox Playmaker to Tactical Asset
Early Years and Rise to Prominence at FC Twente
Hakim Ziyech was born on March 19, 1993, in Dronten, Netherlands, to Moroccan parents. He started his youth career at local club ASV Dronten before joining Heerenveen’s academy in 2004. After spending several years in their youth setup, he made his senior debut for the club in 2012.
Ziyech quickly caught the eye of many with his impressive performances at Heerenveen, where he played as an attacking midfielder. His creativity, technical skills, and eye for goal made him a valuable asset for the team. In his first season, he scored five goals and provided ten assists, earning him a spot in the Eredivisie Team of the Year.
In 2014, Ziyech joined FC Twente, where he continued to showcase his talents. He became the team’s main playmaker and was involved in a large majority of their goals. In the 2015-16 season, he led the Eredivisie in both assists (17) and chances created (100), solidifying himself as one of the top creative players in the league.
Ajax Years: Establishing Himself as One of Europe’s Best
After two successful seasons at FC Twente, Ziyech joined Ajax in 2016 for a fee of €11 million. He quickly became a fan favorite at the club, leading them to three consecutive Eredivisie titles and a UEFA Europa League final in 2017. His performances caught the eye of many top European clubs, but Ziyech chose to stay at Ajax to continue his development.
Under the guidance of manager Erik ten Hag, Ziyech flourished even more. He was given more freedom to express himself on the field and was a vital part of Ajax’s attacking style of play. In the 2018-19 season, he had his most productive season yet, scoring 21 goals and providing 24 assists in all competitions. This earned him the Dutch Footballer of the Year award and a spot in the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season.
Chelsea Move and Impact in the Premier League
In February 2020, Chelsea announced the signing of Hakim Ziyech for a fee of around €44 million. Despite arriving later than expected due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ziyech made an immediate impact in the Premier League. In his first season, he scored six goals and provided four assists in just 23 appearances.
Ziyech’s Future: Exploring Potential Destinations and Achievements
At just 28 years old, Hakim Ziyech still has many years of football ahead of him. While he has made a name for himself in the Eredivisie and Premier League, there are still talks of him moving to a bigger club in the near future.
Potential Destinations: Real Madrid, Barcelona, or PSG?
With his impressive performances, it is no surprise that top clubs across Europe are interested in signing Hakim Ziyech. Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with the midfielder in recent years.
Real Madrid could be an ideal destination for Ziyech, with their current midfield lacking creativity and a player who can unlock defenses. With his skillset, he could fit in perfectly with their attacking style of play.
Barcelona could also be a possibility, as they are looking to rebuild their squad after a disappointing season. With the potential departure of Lionel Messi, Ziyech could be the creative force they need to help fill the void left by the Argentine superstar.
PSG may also be a potential destination, especially if they fail to secure the long-term services of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. Ziyech’s versatility and creativity would be a valuable asset for the French giants.
Achievements: Ballon d’Or Contender?
While individual awards may not be the main focus for Ziyech, his impressive performances have put him in the conversation for major accolades. In the 2018-19 season, he was shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or, finishing in 23rd place. With his continued growth and impact on the game, he could potentially be a contender for the prestigious award in the future.
Ziyech also has the opportunity to win several other accolades such as the African Footballer of the Year award and the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award. With his skillset and potential, the sky’s the limit for the Moroccan midfielder.
Conclusion
Hakim Ziyech is not just a player defined by his statistics. His impact on the game goes beyond numbers and can be felt by anyone who watches him play. From his unorthodox playing style to his tactical awareness, he has become a vital asset for both club and country.
