According to Mirror, Liverpool are among the clubs linked with a transfer for Hakim Ziyech. The Ajax playmaker could be leaving the Netherlands in search of a new challenge, which might prompt Liverpool and Arsenal to indulge in a transfer duel this summer. The report claims that Ziyech is available for just €30 million, with his current contract at the club expiring in 2021.
What can Ziyech bring to the table?
Since moving to the club back in 2016 for a fee of €11 million, Ziyech has become a vital part of the Ajax attack, enjoying three successful seasons. Indeed, he has been involved in a whopping 101 goals in just 130 matches for the club across all competitions.
As far as gameplay is concerned, Ziyech is primarily a right-winger who loves to create scoring opportunities for his team. He completed a remarkable 106 key passes this past season, which is third highest in the league, despite playing just 2,413 minutes of league football. The two players in Martin Odegaard (2615 minutes) and Steven Berghuis (2878 minutes) who have managed to better his tally have played considerably more.
Ziyech is also known for his dribbling prowess, having completed 76 successful dribbles with an astounding ratio of 2.6 per game – more than anyone else in the Ajax side. Another key feature of his game is his versatility as he can operate not only in the right-wing slot but also in the number ten role.
Ziyech loves to test the ‘keeper from long-range, with 97 of his 154 attempts this past season coming from outside the box. Both of those numbers are highest in the league. Furthermore, the 26-year-old is also proficient when it comes to direct free-kick – making him a well-rounded attacker.
Should Liverpool make a move for Ziyech?
Ziyech could be an excellent signing for Liverpool as they aim to add more quality to their attack next season. The Reds have lacked reliable back-ups for their revered front trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino and the fact that the Moroccan international can feature in a central as well as a wide attacking role could make things much easier for Jurgen Klopp.
He will be an upgrade to Xherdan Shaqiri, who has struggled to find regular game-time during the second half of last campaign. And for a fee of just €30 million, Ziyech will definitely be a bargain signing from Liverpool’s perspective given the quality of the player.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
