Ziyech hailed as ‘magnificent’ blend of two Chelsea legends

Will Ford
Ziyech

Pat Nevin says Hakim Ziyech’s “magnificent” performance against Sheffield United had shades of both Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas.

The Moroccan had to wait for his first team debut after picking up a pre-season injury, but has exploded into the campaign with a string of virtuoso displays. He’s the joint most creative player in the Premier League this season.

He already has three assists to his name in four Premier League appearances and could easily have had more.


READ MORE: Every Premier League club’s most creative players


And former Chelsea winger Nevin admitted he saw glimpses of two Chelsea heroes, Hazard and Fabregas, in Ziyech’s game.

“Most of us Chelsea-minded types were impressed already but by the time he walked off the park after destroying Sheffield United on Saturday, he had gained millions more fans,” Nevin told Chelsea’s official website.

“It was a magnificent performance showing little glimpses that reminded you of the best of Eden Hazard at one moment and then Cesc Fabregas’s genius two minutes later.

“Okay, so it was ‘only the Blades’ some might say and yes, things will be tougher against the likes of Man City and Liverpool, but he has enough technical ability to live and thrive very easily in that company too I reckon.

“We will find out soon enough, but it is noticeable how many chances we appear to be making and indeed scoring since Ziyech started against Krasnodar. We have played four games and have a current running scoreline of 14-1!

“So there is his vision, stunning delivery with his left foot, while his right foot is pretty hot as well.

“He can score as well as creating but it is that ability to see gaps and deliver the ball into them that is the most noticeable thing at the moment.”

Mark Smith and Matt Stead know all about disappointments. Join them to discover that Chelsea are the only Big Six club without representation on this week’s top ten.