Meet Hakim Ziyech: The Moroccan maestro set for Chelsea

Perhaps one of the surprises of the January transfer window was that Chelsea didn't bring in any new faces after their transfer ban was rescinded. The Blues tried and tried for a new striker, yet were left frustrated in their efforts to bolster their frontline. That, though, should change in the summer. 

Among other positions that require strengthening, Chelsea's wingers need a revamp. Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic offer Frank Lampard the youthful options in the squad, yet the ageing Pedro and Willian need replacing. Both are expected to depart Stamford Bridge at the end of the season and the Blues are, of course, seeking to add to the squad to ensure they aren't caught short on the right or left flanks next season. 

And it is looking increasingly likely that they have secured a bargain buy of one of the hottest talents in Europe to ease Pedro and Willian's exit. On Wednesday, reports began to circulate that Chelsea had agreed a €45m deal with Ajax for the capture of Hakim Ziyech. While it's not a done deal, a verbal agreement in place for the Moroccan will at long last allow Ziyech admirers to see what the creative superstar can achieve outside of the Eredivisie. 

Of course, Chelsea fans bore witness to Ziyech's talent, albeit in a microcosm, when he achieved a WhoScored rating of 7.80 in their entertaining 4-4 draw with Ajax at Stamford Bridge in November, a game in which he provided two assists. As far as replacements for both Pedro and Willian go, they couldn't do much better. Indeed, in his Eredivisie career, Ziyech has made 213 appearances. In that time, he has scored 79 goals and provided 87 assists, providing double figures for the latter in six consecutive seasons. For a 26-year-old, that's a notable return. 

Caution should be applied, of course, as the route from the Eredivisie to the Premier League is a well-trodden one. For every Luis Suarez, there's a Afonso Alves. For every Ruud van Nistelrooy, there's a Vincent Janssen. Current Ajax teammate Dusan Tadic enjoyed a hugely impressive final season with FC Twente, one of Ziyech's former sides, only to then struggle to replicate his excellent Eredivisie form with Southampton before returning to the Netherlands and shining.

Yet away from domestic action, Ziyech has been excellent on the continent, thriving in the Champions League for Ajax having made the WhoScored team of the tournament despite their semi-final exit at the hands of Tottenham last season. And Chelsea have landed themselves a creative machine in the Morocco international provided he can seamlessly transition to English football. 

Indeed, Ziyech ranks first for accurate through balls (9) and clear-cut chances created (22) in the Eredivisie this season and second for key passes (67) and assists (12). That excellent form in the final third has translated to a WhoScored rating of 8.38, comfortably the best in the Dutch top-flight. Admittedly in a different league, Willian (46) is the Chelsea player who comes closest to matching Ziyech's key pass return, Mason Mount for big chances created (7), while the Blues' top assisters - Willian, Hudson-Odoi and Mount - have registered as many league assists combined as Ziyech this season. 

With Willian (7.26) currently Chelsea's highest rated wideman, an affordable, consistent attacking force to replace the Brazilian was required. A player approaching their peak and not in the twilight years of their career, nor one whose time in the game was in their infancy, was also a necessity and Ziyech fits the bill perfectly.

If, or rather when, Chelsea get this deal over the line, Ziyech is going to be a fine addition to the Blues squad and supporters have every right to be excited about the creative jewell in this Ajax crown swapping Amsterdam for London. The major shock has been why it took so long for a club to make a move for the Moroccon maestro, yet it looks as though Chelsea have taken the plunge that'll see Ziyech pop up on the Blues flanks next season, which is a terrifying prospect for Premier League defences.