Everton with their new manager have already started working on their mission of rebuilding the club, moulding the team in a way which will reflect the Dutch philosophy of a balanced approach. Ronald Koeman has been a man on a mission ever since he set foot at the Goodison, not afraid to let go of the big names for hefty amounts which went straight back into the squad in terms of bringing in some new faces. The Dutch manager has shortlisted the talented playmaker of the Eredivisie, Hakim Ziyech according to reports and wants him to make a part of his revolution at Merseyside. For most of us the name sounds unfamiliar, so let’s look at the reasons why the Everton manager is keen on bringing him into the Premier League.
Strengths
Ziyech is a Dutch-born Moroccan footballer who plays for Eredivisie club FC Twente. He is the ideal playmaker. After spending three years at SC Heerenveen, a club where he made his senior debut, the midfielder moved to FC Twente in 2014/15 season as a replacement for Dusan Tadic, who left for Southampton. It was the right move for the player as he dazzled in his very first season at Twente making a huge impact. Few would’ve thought that the new recruit would match the performances of the departing star in Tadic who had a fantastic season the previous year scoring 16 times while providing 14 assists and becoming the club’s player of the year. Ziyech, in his first year, scored 11 goals and provided 16 assists, and was also voted the club’s player of the year.
Last season he struck 17 times and provided 10 assists in the league as he cemented his place as not only the most important player for his club but also as one of the biggest talents of the Dutch top division. The 23-year-old is the master of the spectacular, wonderful dribbler and a very serious threat during the set pieces with his free kicks. He is one player who is most likely to unlock packed defences with his brilliant through passes. Ziyech’s presence in the team guarantees goals which will be a result of him scoring directly or providing the assist for his teammates. At this moment, he is perhaps the best player to buy who will provide the best value for money for the manager.
Weaknesses
Standing at 183 cm, the playmaker is not the shortest but he is not the one who is expected to win a header aerially. The 23-year-old is pretty poor in the air, which is the reason why he suffers when long balls are played. Another big feature of Ziyech’s game is his ability to look for the adventurous forward passing at every opportunity, trying to go for the killer ball at every instant is perhaps a bit risky for it results in a lot of turnovers. However, it is also a tactic which yields the maximum value when it goes through. Playing through balls has so far served him very well in his career but a bit more maturity with his passing can take his game to another level forward.
Opportunity
A move to the Premier League would be like a perfect script, add to that for a team having Ronald Koeman as a manager, it just can’t get any better. The adventurous forward-thinking gameplay of the Morocco international would suit a side managed by Koeman perfectly while making his presence felt in the EPL will finally give the player the recognition his talent deserves.
Threats
Ziyech is still physically a bit lightweight to compete in the Premier League; he will find it a bit difficult to adjust to the physicality of the league. He has a history of having a bad temper which the opposition might look to exploit, with a few strong tackles; the player can fall into the trap and do something rash. The competition would provide the test which will help the playmaker test his mettle but with his talent, he is the ideal one to step up to the plate.
