Hakim Ziyech backed to be a success story for Chelsea

Jesper Olsen is confident Hakim Ziyech will make a positive impact for Chelsea as he suits Frank Lampard’s needs perfectly.

Ziyech is currently preparing for his first season outside of the Netherlands upon completing a €40m switch to Chelsea in the summer transfer window.

The former Ajax star was a huge hit in Amsterdam, often setting the tempo in games and feeding his teammates. In fact, he’d registered at least 12 assists in his final six Eredivisie campaigns. Now it’s time to test his mettle in the Premier League itself.

An impressive first appearance in last week’s 1-1 friendly draw against Brighton and Hove Albion was a good omen. Ziyech even provided the cross that led to Timo Werner’s goal.

Now Olsen, who like Ziyech played for Ajax between 1981 and 1984 before moving to the Premier League (albeit with Manchester United), has backed the Moroccan to impress in west London.

“There’s no doubt he will be a success at Chelsea,” the former Danish winger told Stats Perform News as quoted on Goal.

“I think Frank Lampard has done a really good job. He knows the club inside out. Seems to be very good in terms of management and playing style. This is the important thing, he wants to attack and play offensive football. That will not be a problem [for Ziyech].

“The players coming out of Ajax, they are like that. Being a defender or midfielder, you are attacking-minded. No doubt about that.”

Olsen spent four years at Manchester United but won just one FA Cup during his time at Old Trafford. He later had spells at Bordeaux and Caen in France before retiring in 1992.