Ajax have been credited for bringing world class superstars, be it the Immortal Johan Cyruff, or the prolific Marco Van Basten or the technical Dennis Bergkamp or Edwin Van Der Sar. Similarly, there is a new breed of players who are emerging and some of them were being molded into legends by ex- manager Erik Ten Hag. One such player who gets the recognition is ex-Ajax player Hakim Ziyech.
Ajax made it to the Champions League semi-final run in the 2018–19 season and a part of it was down to Ziyech’s contributions, where he made 24 contributions in 11 matches he played. It put him 3 behind Lionel Messi,and 10 more than Mohamed Salah. He was an important cog in 4–4 draw with Chelsea in the 2019/20 Champions League.
The Blues, under the leadership of Frank Lampard, being impressed with his performance bought him in the 2020–21 season. He rebuilt a young team by bringing the likes of Timo Werner,Kai Havertz,Edouard Mendy,Thiago Silva and Ben Chillwell,and the most exciting of the lot was Hakim Ziyech.
With Lampard being fired he was replaced by Thomas Tuchel and under the German’s leadership, they won the Champions League, Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Manchester United are having a bad transfer window. Even Though they managed to rope in Christian Eriksen,Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez, they are short in certain positions, such as right-back, defensive midfielder and a right-winger and Cristiano Ronaldo.
We can see from his season map as to why Man United want Ziyech and what he’ll add to the team. We can see from his seasonal heatmap as to where he made passes, shots, crosses, dribbles and so on. He likes to operate down the right-wing, cutting inside and creating threats.
Passing
He made a total of 1280 passes out of which 543 were completed passes. Ziyech attempted 737 passes. He made 9 smart passes. The player put in 32 passes into the penalty box and he likes to pass mostly down the right-wing.
From the heatmap, we can see that the player’s passing has been concentrated down the right-wing.The player likes to cut inside the box and attempt dangerous passes. The Moroccan has set up his teammates, by progressively passing to them to create dangerous opportunities. He has made 5.05 progressive passes per 90, taking him to 87 percentile. Being a lean and mean machine, he uses his skills and technique to dribble past players at ease.
He completed 2.04 dribbles per 90. He has taken most touches down the attacking third. He uses his skill to bring the ball down at his feet, and then he begins his run down the wing. He ranks 92 percentile in touches which he made down the attacking third,making 40.00 per match.
From the heatmap we can see that his touches are concentrated down the attacking third.
His quick exchanges with Cesar Azpilicueta or Reece James have been beneficial. It helps him in creating chances for them. He excels in carrying the ball. While Carrying, Reece makes a quick run past him and he cheekily passes the ball to him, which leads to Reece creating chances.
Defensive Contributions
Ziyech, along with his offensive traits, has also performed defensively. Ziyech tracks back to help his teammates in the defensive third. He has made most of the tackles down the middle third.He made 11 tackles down the middle third. He made 0.82 times per 90.
Goal Scoring
Along with 3 assists, he contributed to 4 goals.He likes to cut inside the box and take shots from a distance. Using his technical skills, he managed to score long range goals.He had taken 53 shots of which 19 were on target. Out of 4 goals, he scored 2 goals outside the box.He had an xG of 0.27 per 90. The Moroccan has attempted most shots outside the box, while dribbling past players.
Verdict
Milan were looking to swoop in for him, but it’s not done yet and Man United can throw a curveball in swooping for him. Man United’s desperation to buy a right-winger is well documented.
With the Antony deal looking impossible due to Ajax setting up such high fees for him, United may shift to the Moroccan. The Moroccan was a prized jewel for Erik ten Hag’s side at Ajax. Chelsea would be wary of selling the Moroccan to a possible top 4 side. With Man United facing their first defeat of the season, United would be hurrying up to strengthen other positions. The transfer window closes in 20 days or so. Do you think we will see Ziyech become a Red Devil? Leave your comments.
