Hakim Ziyech Names Chelsea Idols & Reveals Admiration for Frank Lampard

Chelsea's new signing Hakim Ziyech has given a revealing interview as a Blue, discussing the Stamford Bridge legends he admires, his expectations under coach Frank Lampard and what he hopes to produce during his time in west London.


The 27-year-old agreed a move from Ajax to the Premier League in February and supporters have been waiting with great anticipation to watch the classy attacking midfielder in action ever since.


The Morocco international was at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night to witness Chelsea's narrow 1-0 victory over Norwich, which pushed Lampard's men one step closer towards Champions League qualification.


Ziyech has now given a fascinating interview with the Blues, revealing his idols from Chelsea's previously successful sides, and what he hopes to achieve at his new club.



'Always for Chelsea'


"When you are a young guy you always want to play for a big club, in the Premier League of course," he said.


"When I was young, the players that played here, it was always a big club so I am very happy and it means a lot. I was playing in the youth in Heerenveen and here was playing Drogba, Lampard, Terry, all those big names.


"We were always for Chelsea, and if you look at now, if you can play here it means a lot to me."



'I Like the Style'


Lampard gesticulating during the 1-0 win against Norwich

Ziyech also discussed the factors behind his decision to join Chelsea, and the talented midfielder cited Lampard and his attacking style of play as a major motivation to come to west London.


"It was important for my decision of course. I've always said that I like the style of playing football that he's using now, and the attacking football he's playing right now."



'Football Is Playing With Your Head'


Ziyech's attacking output at Ajax has been brilliant in recent years

The midfielder discussed how easily he could adapt to the English top flight, putting to bed any doubts that the game is too physical for him, stressing that 'football is just playing with your head'.


"I would like to come and play how I did in the last two or three years with Ajax, just keeping the same style and hopefully they will enjoy it and I'll help the team as much as possible.


"They always told me the Premier League is a tough competition and I know it is, but they always said 'physically you're not ready,' and stuff like that.


"But you see in all competitions how many players have the same body as me. Football is just playing with your head and being smart and creating spaces, and it is always in the small things."



'It Was a Crazy Game'


Ajax drew with Chelsea 4-4 when they visited Stamford Bridge earlier this term

Ziyech also had a brief word on Ajax's incredible 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge earlier in the Champions League group stages, and he admitted that it was a brilliant game for the neutral, although he wasn't too happy at the time.


"It was a crazy game. If you were a neutral supporter it was a fantastic game. For us it was a little bit less because we were 4-1 up, but it was a crazy game.


"I think the neutral fans, that is why they like football, because of moments and games like this."



Source : 90min