Tottenham icon Rafael van der Vaart believes Chelsea playmaker Hakim Ziyech made a mistake not signing for the north London club.
In an interview with Ziggo Sport via Voetbal Primeur, the former Netherlands international claimed that the 28-year-old winger was wrong to sign for Chelsea despite interest from Spurs. As reported by Sky Sports News, the Blues signed the Moroccan star for £33m.
Ziyech joined Chelsea in 2020. And despite an incredible reputation from Ajax, the winger has somewhat predictably been underwhelming for the Blues.
Under Thomas Tuchel, the African magician has hardly seen the pitch. With Ziyech managing just one start in the Premier League so far this season.
Indeed, Ziyech was courted by both Tottenham and Arsenal in his final season with Ajax. And according to Van der Vaart, the former Ajax star should have joined his former Premier League side.
The ex-Spurs superstar said: “With hindsight, it’s easy, but I think it was a wrong choice I hope he still fully blossoms. But if he had gone to Tottenham, for example, they are lacking a player like him. He played very well at Ajax and did the same against Tottenham. Just take him then.
Van der Vaart added: “With a player like that, Tottenham are title contenders, and they’re not now because they have all the same kind of players. It was a pity he went to Chelsea.”
With Ziyech hardly getting a look-in at Chelsea despite his obvious talent, it is a shame to see such a quality player be left to sit on the bench.
After all, the Moroccan would have been a starter for Spurs and an ideal replacement for Christian Eriksen, who left in January 2020.
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