Everton were reportedly keen on Hakim Ziyech but he continues to thrive in the Eredivisie with Ajax.
Ajax must be counting their lucky stars that they managed to keep hold of Hakim Ziyech.
The Moroccan international was brilliant for the Amsterdam giants in 2017/18, scoring nine and setting up 15 Eredivisie goals. And he was arguably Morocco’s most impressive player at the World Cup, too.
Despite all this, and links with Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Everton, Ziyech remains in the Eredivisie. And he has started this season like a man possessed, reminding clubs all across Europe why they should have taken a chance on this mercurial play-maker.
Calciomecato claimed that Ziyech was on the radar of clubs either side of Stanley Park. But by the end of the window, Liverpool and Everton had spent money in other areas, meaning Ziyech continues to wait for his big break.
Although it surely cannot be long in coming. Ziyech has arguably been the Eredivisie’s standout performer in 2018/19 and his tally of two goals and one assist does not come close to explaining his impact.
In 5-0 and 4-0 thrashings of Emmen and Vitesse, Ziyech produced a midfield masterclass that would not have looked out of place in any of Europe’s major leagues. Maybe, just maybe, Everton and Liverpool missed a trick.
After all, they both looked a little laboured during the weekend clashes against Huddersfield and Leicester respectively.
Did we mention Ziyech was named the Netherlands’ Footballer of the Year this week?
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