Three big questions: Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech and making magic

2. Will he be better wide or central?

Erik ten Hag’s Ajax is extremely fluid in its shape not just in game, but game to game. Furthermore, the entire Ajax culture is about players being able to play in a few positions and contribute in different ways. Ziyech may not have been an Ajax product, but he made sure that he fit right in to the Dutch side.

Ziyech can play as an inverted right winger in a number of formations. He has also been used as a more traditional 10 in a 4-2-3-1. And there have been times when he has been used more like an eight in a 4-3-3. In each position and shape, he is often the team’s most advanced playmaker.

At Chelsea, it has largely been assumed that he will simply take Willian’s spot on the right wing. Until/if Kai Havertz is ever announced, that seems like the best idea. But if the German does join, it may be worth it to explore what Ziyech can do centrally.

Playing him wide or central both have their benefits and drawbacks. Regardless, he will be a player looking to string things together in the final third. The how is the only thing that really changes.

Wide against Brighton, Ziyech would often cut inside to create space for Reece James to overlap. He could then play the ball centrally or thread it through to James to cross. He also showed that from deep, he has a very wicked long ball.

The main issue with him creating from wide is that it is obvious where he is going to go. With the touch line to one side and the majority of the pitch to the other, his options are limited. That means opponents could corral him in wide areas and focus on other threats.

Centrally, it would be much hard to defend against him because he could cut in either direction. But here, he would face more direct pressure on the ball and he would also find it harder to use his pressing to help his team.

There are benefits and drawbacks to both, but if Havertz does join, then the conversation should at least be had. Havertz scores far more goals and creates much less, so it may make more sense to put Havertz higher while leaving Ziyech deeper to pull the strings.