“Hakim Ziyech: Chelsea’s Best Passer Despite Lack of Playing Time”

If Chelsea lost Thursday night against Manchester United, Hakim Ziyech was once again decisive by delivering a valuable pass to his teammate João Félix. Despite his lack of playing time, the Moroccan international was crowned the Blues’ best passer this season.

Entered in the 82nd minute of the game Manchester United-Chelsea (4-1), the Moroccan international was Thursday night author of a decisive pass. By offering his teammate João Félix the perfect ball, Chelsea were able to score their only goal of the match.

Hakim Ziyech has thus become his club’s best passer this season, along with Raheem Sterling. Both teammates now have three assists each. The Moroccan has only started six times this season with Chelsea. The Moroccan international has been lined up twelve times as a substitute in the Premier League. In total, he played just 653 minutes, compared to 1,811 for his teammate Raheem Sterling in the league.

At the end of the match, another scene caught the attention of the fans. After the whistle, the Dutchman Erik ten Hag, Manchester United coach, hastened to greet Hakim Ziyech. The two men met at Ajax Amsterdam where the Moroccan winger played from 2016 to 2020.

Yesterday, before the start of Man Utd – Chelsea, Erik Ten Hag left to greet Hakim Ziyech in the stands. ♥️

High class. 👏 pic.twitter.com/VdLy2sXskT

— Moroccan players 🇲🇦 (@JoueursMA) May 26, 2023

Asked about the low playing time granted to the Moroccan at the Blues, the Dutch technician was clear: “Yes, he must play! He has to play every week. Especially for a player like him with so much strength (…) Must play every week”.

Reporter: I Can Imagine that it hurts you to see him(Ziyech) not playing alots

Erik: Yes He Must Play! He needs to Play every week. Such a footballer like him at his Power (Because Hakim is on a age
where you have a lot of strength) Must Play Every Week !pic.twitter.com/EOFNWgrJu7

— ruby | in luv era (@sweetlingpo) May 26, 2023