Morocco will play a historic round of 16 match against Spain. And the prodigal son Hakim Ziyech, back to the Lions of the Atlas after the quarrel with the previous coach, he is no stranger to this beautiful career.
We can talk about a winning return. Excluded from the Moroccan national team for disciplinary reasons (in particular fictitious injuries from not being called up) under the former manager’s regime Vahid Halilhodzic, Judge Ziechrejoined the herd of Lions of the Atlas now led by Walid Reragui. The latter replaced the fiery Halilhodzic, who was removed from office by the president of the federation. Also because he refused to call Ziyech, who was born in Holland but is one of the great stars of the Moroccan team together withAchrafi Hakimi.
During this World Cup, the Chelsea player demonstrates his importance for his country. Author of an assist against Belgium (and a goal from a free-kick disallowed at half-time) and a goal against Canada, he is one of the major players in the Lions of the Atlas who surprised many by finishing top of their group under Croatia’s noses.
During this first sentence, Ziyech rediscovered all the qualities we knew from him during his time at Ajax. His record of 49 goals and 81 assists in 165 games during this spell in the Dutch capital demonstrates what he can bring to a team. We particularly remember his performance during Ajacides’ splendid 2018-19 season in the Champions League. Along with Serbian Dusan Tadicit allowed the most successful club in the Netherlands to offer the scalp of more famous and wealthy formations such as Real Madrid and Juventus.
A transfer to Chelsea that didn’t work out
Hakim Ziyech was 26 at the time and looked ready to take a step forward, but Ajax didn’t want to lose him as well as Frankie Young et Matthew de Ligt who had already flown to FC Barcelona and Juventus respectively for more than €80m each. The Moroccan international’s take-off was therefore postponed by a year, to a summer of 2020 in which Europe was still partially confined due to the coronavirus pandemic. Roman Abramovich he wanted to spend his war chest in one fell swoop and wrote a check for 40 million for the arrival of Hakim Ziyech. At the same time, Well Chiwell (50 million), Timo Werner (53) et Kai Havertz (80) have also worn the liquette of Blues.
Frank Lampard the delicate task of placing all these expensive acquisitions on his chessboard was entrusted. While he was able to use the Werner, Havertz and, to some extent, Chilwell pawns correctly, he rarely played Ziyech. The Moroccan-born Dutchman certainly played in 39 games, but only completed the 90 minutes once. He started 23 times, including five in minor games England cup.
Lampard ended up paying for Chelsea’s under-performing and was replaced by Thomas Tuchel mid season. The arrival of the German did not improve Ziyech’s situation, as well as that of Graham Potter last September. In two and a half seasons, Ziyech played just 92 games, during which he scored 14 times and provided 10 assists. We are far from the importance he had at Ajax.
However, Potter’s arrival has given him some hope. “I want to see brave players, claim the ball and play with joy”, the former Brighton confided when he took office. A hope that proved to be in vain as confirmed by the results of the Moroccan international after a few months under Potter’s reign. Ziyech hasn’t started once at Chelsea before this World Cup kicks off. In Qatar he already has more minutes played in three games than in the whole season with Chelsea Premier League and in the Champions League.
Regragui’s trusted man
In the Moroccan national team, the full-back has the freedom to do what he wants on the pitch. In the rigid organizations of Lampard, Tuchel and now Potter, he cannot be trusted so much. It’s simply the life of a player who is a superstar in a subtop lineup and who has to contend with other stars in a top club. Only players of the class of Kevin DeBruyne, Lionel Messi et Cristiano Ronaldo they can do whatever they want on their teams. To the Lions of the AtlasZiyech has this status and enjoys the trust of Walid Regragui who considers him the absolute star. “Give him love and trust and he is ready to die for you”explained the Moroccan coach.
So why is Hakim Ziyech staying at Chelsea? Simply because the Blues this summer he asked for too much money from potential buyers. At 29, the former Ajax wizard wanted to relaunch himself in a new environment. AC Milan attempted to secure Ziyech’s services but were unable to meet Chelsea’s financial expectations. The World Cup, which allows him to shine, could help him in view of the next transfer market. The magic is still present in his left foot and it is now necessary to find the right club to be able to re-propose it every week.
