Ajax playmaker Hakim Ziyech appears to have outgrown the Eredivisie – and Southampton could be his ideal destination.
Not since Christian Eriksen’s heyday have Ajax basked in the glory of such a productive playmaker. After clawing their way back into a title race that looked over a matter of weeks ago with a 2-1 win against previously runaway leaders Feyenoord, Peter Bosz’s challengers owe their revival to one man above all.
No player in the Eredivisie has created more chances this season than Moroccan midfielder Hakim Ziyech with 106, as reported by Goal. His nearest challenger? Smooth PSV operator Davy Propper with 67.
Add to that his tally of six goals, 11 assists and ability to split open a tightly-wound defence or ping a speculative shot into the top corner, the former FC Twente talisman has been one of the most astute signings not only in Holland but anywhere in Europe across 2016/17.
The question, however, is whether Ajax can hang onto him. They don’t tend to keep their prized assets for long.
Calciomercato reported that Swansea City were interested last summer. And with Paul Clement’s side still mired in a relegation dogfight despite a brief resurgence, the Englishman will know that he must add more cutting edge to his side if they are to avoid the same struggles next season.
Furthermore, The Chronicle report that Ziyech’s stand-out performances have not gone unnoticed by Newcastle United with Rafael Benitez aiming to add creativity to his side ahead of their Premier League return.
However, if any club knows how to utilise the erratic Eredivisie market effectively, it’s Southampton. After all, they have enjoyed two terrific seasons from Dusan Tadic, another former FC Twente playmaker who, like Ziyech, topped the chance creation charts in 2014/15.
Although, with the Serbian publically criticising his reduced role under Claude Puel this season, according to the Daily Mail, they may need to replace him in the summer.
And who better than Ziyech to add a spark to one of the league’s bluntest attacks.
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