Hakim Ziyech did not have an easy childhood. The Moroccan went astray following the death of his father when he was only 10 years old and Aziz Doufikar, the first Moroccan to play in the Netherlands, led him back along the path of football. All these problems forged him a special personality and sometimes difficult to control.
On his last day as 'ajacied', Ten Hag wanted to warn Frank Lampard, his next coach at Chelsea, of his personality. “Sometimes it can be a nightmare for a coach but you have to give him space. With Hakim it is like that. What you see is what there is and you know how it feels every day. He may be stubborn but that's what makes him brilliant. See things that others don't see “, the Dutch coach assured on the last day that the Dronten winger was under his command.
Hakim Ziyech will arrive in London shortly after Chelsea announced his transfer from Ajax in exchange for 40 million euros. Ten Hag himself dared to define his role in the blues and also set an example for him. “He comes as an important figure to Chelsea. A top club in Europe and serves as an example for young people here. Become the best here, win titles and take the leap, “he said.
Last season he was confirmed as one of the best in the Champions League, where Ajax fell in the semifinals against Tottenham but marveled at his game and his deeds by eliminating two favorites like Real Madrid and Juventus. This campaign has signed great numbers with eight goals and 21 assists in 35 matches between all competitions. Now, it's up to him to demonstrate his rebellion and his talent in the capital of the United Kingdom. Will Frank be able to tame and make the best of the Moroccan winger?