Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has backed Hakim Ziyech to be a hit at Stamford Bridge after impressing on his return from injury.
The Moroccan joined Chelsea in a £36m deal from Ajax in the summer but a knee injury ensured Ziyech endured a frustrating start to life in west London.
After missing the first month of the season, the 27-year-old finally made his debut in the 3-3 draw with Southampton over two weeks ago.
He's since appeared in the Blues' last four games. He bagged his first Chelsea goal in the Champions League triumph over Krasnodar before notching a goal and an assist in the 3-0 Premier League victory over Burnley at the weekend.
Ziyech's recent form has caught the eye of plenty, particularly BT Sport pundit Ferdinand who firmly believes the creative midfielder could be the difference-maker in Frank Lampard's side.
“I think Ziyech, out of all of them [Chelsea's summer signings], has been the one he’s wanted to bring back most because he brings you that little bit of difference,” he said in a video on his official YouTube channel.
“He brings you that little bit of guile. Havertz has got it but Ziyech is a player. I saw him at Stamford Bridge last season destroy Chelsea, I saw him in the Champions League many times last season."
The Moroccan was a key protagonist in the giant-killing Ajax side that came within a miraculous Lucas Moura hat-trick from the Champions League final.
Ziyech notched six goal contributions amid the Amsterdamers' awe-inspiring journey before registering two goals and an impressive five assists in the competition last time out, as Erik ten Hag's side were knocked out in the group stages.
“He’s the person who’s always looking for that little pass, that little bit of difference, he plays the hard pass, the risky pass that gets you the big reward,” Ferdinand concluded.
Ziyech will be looking to continue the bright start to his Chelsea career as the Blues host Rennes in their next Champions League encounter before taking on a struggling Sheffield United side at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.
Source : 90min