Frank Lampard has hailed Chelsea’s capture of Ajax playmaker Hakim Ziyech and believes the Moroccan will add some much needed creativity to help ‘unlock the door’ for his side.
The west London club confirmed on Thursday that they had agreed a £36.7million fee with the Dutch champions to sign Ziyech in the summer, beating a host of European giants to his signature.
Chelsea have often struggled to break down deep defences this season, particularly at home, and Lampard – who first took notice of the 26-year-old in last season’s Champions League – is confident Ziyech can solve that problem.
Ziyech is widely regarded as the best player in the Eredivisie (Picture: Getty)
Asked about the signing of Ziyech in an interview with Sky Sports on Friday morning, Lampard said: ‘Well I think he is a fantastic player and first came into my eye line during their run in the Champions League last season.
‘He was one of their standout players against Tottenham, of course. And then we’ve come up against him twice this season so I know a lot about him
‘I know his qualities, he has a great left foot, generally plays off the right but can play behind the front man.
‘And when you look at us this season there are maybe games where we have struggled to unlock the door.
‘He is a player we hope can bring that bit of creativity, bring something different, he scores goals and gets assists.’
Hakim ZiyechHappy to be fit again so I can enjoy these last months on the pitch, where I belong. Received a lot of warm and positive messages during my absence and I hope to create just a few more beautiful memories than we already have. Very happy with my next step, but first I have some unfinished business to handle🎩 #❌❌❌
Chelsea reportedly had the framework of a deal for Ziyech in place before Christmas but Ajax did not want to let him leave in January, though Lampard is happy to get his man even if he has to wait until the summer.
He added: ‘I’m excited, I know he’s not coming now but it’s good for us and good for the fans to know he’ll be here next season.’
Ziyech helped Ajax win both the Eredivisie and Dutch Cup last season, also reaching the semi-final of the Champions League, while he has six goals and 12 assists in the league this season and set up two goals in a thrilling 4-4 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
