Frank Lampard reveals how he intends to use Hakim Ziyech at Chelsea. The Ajax star will move to London at the end of the season.
Hakim Ziyech has been confirmed as Chelsea’s first signing in the Frank Lampard era. The signing was completed on Thursday for £33.3m. However, the Moroccan international will spend the rest of the season at Ajax and will only join Chelsea in the summer.
Also read: James Maddison wants to move to Old Trafford in the summer
Frank Lampard has lead Chelsea against Ajax twice in the Champions League last year. He has witnessed what Ziyech is capable of. The Blues boss is excited with the signing and has already made up his mind over how to employ the player.
Frank Lampard reveals how he intends to use Hakim Ziyech at Chelsea
“I think he’s a fantastic player,” Lampard told Sky Sports.
“He first came into my eye-line in their [Ajax’s] run in the Champions League last year. I thought he was one of their standout players, particularly in their games against Tottenham.
“We’ve come up against them twice this season so I know a lot about him. I know about his qualities. He’s got a great left foot and plays generally off the right-hand side but can play behind the front man.
“Probably when you look at us this season there have been games where we may have maybe struggled to unlock the door. He’s certainly a player we hope can bring that bit of creativity and something different for us.
“He scores goals, assists. I know it’s not coming now but I think it’s exciting for us as a club and the fans to know that he’ll be here next year.”
Also read: How will Chelsea line up with Hakim Ziyech?
One of Chelsea’s problem this season has been breaking down the defences of teams that like to sit back. Lampard clearly believes that the arrival of Ziyech will help overcome this. In fact, he would have loved to have Ziyech this season itself. However, they failed to convince Ajax to part ways with him in January.
Lampard said: “We tried but it wasn’t possible. We all know how the January window works.
“You respect that clubs who have top players want to keep them. But that’s done and now we have him for next season.”
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