Chelsea: Hakim Ziyech shows he will shine in the Premier league

Chelsea forward signing Hakim Ziyech is already looking like a steal in the transfer market as he shines in debut against Brighton.

It didn’t take long for Chelsea’s new signing Hakim Ziyech to show he belongs even after one half of a game for the Blues against Premier League club Brighton. In his very first outing in only roughly one half, the winger demonstrated the talent that many easily observed while he dominated at Ajax. It was clear from the outset that he’s a superb addition to the emerging Blues’ attacking machine.

Ziyech is a genius with a ball at his feet. Operating from the right wing as a left-footed player, he threads the ball to teammates with grace and ease, setting them up for finishing passes or goals. His cross to Callum Hudson-Odoi then relayed to goal meister Timo Werner was a thing of beauty providing Chelsea’s only goal after four minutes of play. Then, he threaded the needle with another gem later which Werner, unfortunately, sent above the goal. Werner needs to convert those during the regular season.

Yet, the key point is Ziyech is going to provide that kind of service early and often. It’s just what he does. And don’t for a second count out that left foot as a goal-scoring weapon, either. He will be lethal at times as a finisher as well for the Blues. He’s just a terrific player and with the associates Chelsea has and will hopefully additionally provide to assist, the sky is the limit for this Blues’ attack. It’s really going to be a “pick your poison” type of attack. They can rake an opponent from anywhere in the attacking zone, from anyone, and at any time. And Ziyech will be one of the two major maestros in the attack.

The big “if”, of course, is if the long-rumored yet still-delayed transfer of Kai Havertz of Bayer Leverkusen actually is consummated by the club. The clock ticks, time passes, but there is still no announcement. Okay, these are jitters that may not be at all warranted, but suffice it to say that “It ain’t over until it’s over” when it comes to transfers. There is always the chance, even when it appears the slimmest of chances, that a hijacker will mobilize and swoop in to take the prize. Willian’s situation with Spurs about seven years ago is a prime example.

That horrible eventuality notwithstanding, hopefully Havertz is brought in sooner rather than later. If so, the dual virtuoso deliverers of the ball will certainly wreak havoc on Premier League defenses next season. Both are lethal providers plating masterful passes all over the pitch to welcoming teammates who will be more than happy to pad their statistics with goals as a result.

And Chelsea will have the goal scorers to complement them in abundance. That is a truly beautiful thought. Werner, Christian Pulisic, Tammy Abraham, Olivier Giroud, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Mason Mount are a virtual plethora of attacking finishers who will be on the other end of the prolific, pinpoint passes of the dynamic providing pair, Ziyech, and Havertz. This could very well be an attack of beauty.

Hopefully, the Havertz saga will be completed this week. Then, the only questions remaining will be the fitness of Chelsea’s monster attack. The hope is that the Ziyech injury and the Werner knock are minor and that the Pulisic situation will be resolved by mid-September. When/if the full attack is finally mobilized, it should be a magnificent sight. It will be a fearsome attack.

Until then, Chelsea proponents will have to wait. But, one final thought must be left with the Chelsea faithful. The Ziyech injury and the Pulisic situation signal a reality that impacts any football league and most assuredly those in the painfully tough and injurious Premier League. It is that either extreme injury luck or strength-in-depth is critical to success and especially to win a title. Count on that.

With that in mind, it must be said again, that a club can never have too many attackers. The suggestion for the Blues is therefore this, move for Said Benrahma of Brentford when the time and the price are right. He can deputize for many of the attacking players. It is a move that will pay huge dividends for the club. They should make it happen before one of their top-six opponents does.

To say again, strength-in-depth is critically important as attrition will surely impact the club this as in every season. Be prepared, withstand the injuries, and win. Sign Benrahma before one of their top-six opponents does. It is a move that will pay huge dividends for the club. They should make it happen.