Chelsea: Hakim Ziyech’s return will get the Blues back on track

Chelsea is undoubtedly missing Hakim Ziyech at the moment. His return from injury can provide the Blues with the creative spark they need to push on.

Chelsea is now in serious danger of falling out of the race for next year’s Champions League spots after the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Monday evening. The Blues have only accumulated four points in their previous five matches and sit sixth in the Premier League table with 26 points in total. It is difficult to pick out one specific reason for Chelsea’s troubles, as each match seems to bring about a new set of problems. Overall, though, the team has not shown enough creativity and most worryingly, the players don’t seem to be trying their hardest. The Blues won only 38 percent of their duels and 44 percent of their aerial duels against Villa, both numbers that speak to a general lack of effort.

The players’ lessened motivation is a complicated issue that Frank Lampard will need to sort out in training, but Chelsea’s difficulties in creating chances might have a relatively simple solution. Hakim Ziyech’s absence from the squad is starting to become noticeable, and although he might miss a few more matches, his return from injury will certainly revitalize the team’s attack.

Before Ziyech injured his hamstring in the 3-1 victory over Leeds on December 5, the Blues were flying high. They averaged over two goals per match and had taken 16 of a possible 24 points during the previous eight league matches in which they were unbeaten. Even more frustratingly, Chelsea sat atop the Premier League table and looked like a serious contender to win the title.

Since then, the team’s form has taken a serious nose dive. It is clear to see that the problems are with the forwards, as the defense has remained resolute during this difficult stretch. Lampard’s team selection has been part of the issue, but even when all of Chelsea’s creative attackers are on the pitch, something just feels slightly off.

A big attribute missing from a Ziyech-less Blues side is the fluidity with which the Moroccan winger plays. No matter where he is on the field, he keeps the ball moving, which subsequently forces defenders to stay active and alert at all times. His 79 percent pass accuracy also ensures that the opposition will not have the opportunity to steal a lazy ball and break quickly.

Ziyech’s best feature, his absolutely magical left foot, has also been a huge loss for the Blues in recent weeks. His ability to pick out any teammate with a simple swing of the leg is a weapon that Chelsea is missing greatly, especially with a target man like Olivier Giroud in the form of his life. The team’s other wingers might offer more than Ziyech in terms of athleticism and dribbling ability, but there are no substitutions for the inch-perfect crosses that the former Ajax man was consistently providing.

Finally, the combination of Ziyech and Reece James on Chelsea’s right flank was developing into one of the most dangerous tandems in the Premier League. Opposing fullbacks were left stranded when forced to choose between defending Ziyech cutting in on his left and James making overlapping runs towards the end line. This strategic wrinkle drew defenders towards the ball outside of the box, which gave the strikers more room to operate near the goal.

Ziyech’s recovery alone will not be enough to end the Blues’ horrific run of form, but it will hopefully provide a breath of fresh air that the team desperately needs. With Sunday’s fixture against Manchester City now in doubt because of the Citizens’ COVID-19 situation, Ziyech might have more time to heal before returning as the star that Chelsea supporters know him to be.