Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Rafael van der Vaart has advised Tottenham Hotspur to make a move for Chelsea player Hakim Ziyech. The former Tottenham star feels that Spurs need a creative force, and the signing of the unhappy star Ziyech could solve the problem.
Tottenham lost to Leicester City in a humbling 4-1 loss, and Rodrigo Bentancur’s injury during the match only made matters worse. Last night’s loss to AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League once again highlighted the lack of attacking impetus when Harry Kane is kept quiet.
With Bentancur now hurt and joining Hugo Lloris and Ryan Sessegnon in the medical room, Antonio Conte is dealing with problems at a critical stage of the season. With the January transfer window now shut, any reinforcements will have to wait until next summer.
Van der Vaart discussed the Spurs issue in his discussion with Ladbrokes, (h/t Metro.UK). He stated that the team is lacking a number 10 and added that the position can be seen as a missing link.
‘There’s a few missing links for me, I think. I’ve always said they’re missing a classic number 10.
“The midfield, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur – when he is fit – is solid, but they’re missing a player who can pick up the ball between the lines, make space, turn, run at defenders, and get the ball to Sonny [Heung-min Son] and Harry Kane.”
“They’re missing something in that number 10 area, and I think the answer is Hakim Ziyech.”
He believes that this will increase the pressure on Harry Kane to score goals in every game. Van der Vaart has suggested that Tottenham sign Ziyech, who may play a crucial role from the right flank, reducing the burden on the Spurs marksman.
The 29-year-old was close to joining Paris Saint-Germain in January, but incomplete paperwork prevented him from moving to the Ligue 1 Giants, even though he was eager to leave.
If Chelsea decides to make a move, they may decide to let the Moroccan go during the summer transfer window because the 29-year-old hasn’t displayed his competency since returning from the World Cup. Graham Potter has also used him sparingly and his time at the Bridge appears to be coming to an end.
In 12 Premier League games for Chelsea this season, Ziyech has only contributed one assist and no goals, and the player has expressed his discontentment with the club. Graham Potter chose to start Noni Madueke against West Ham United despite the fact that Ziyech was available. Clearly that sends a message to the Moroccan star.
In the meanwhile, if a transfer to North London is feasible, he might find his form there, or Conte might help him rediscover his rhythm. Sometimes a manager also plays a significant role in helping a player get back on track.
While we wish the best for Ziyech, there is little reason for us to sell him to a direct rival. From Chelsea’s point of view, a sale to a foreign club would be ideal.
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