Champions League finalists Liverpool are now one of the most exciting projects in world football at the moment and this will mean that they can land some of the finest stars in Europe this summer. The transfer window is already open and there are a number of names extensively linked with a move to Anfield before the start of the next season.
One player they are reportedly close to landing is Ajax star Hakim Ziyech.
Liverpool Make Ziyech Approach
A transfer target for the likes of Borussia Dortmund, AS Roma and Lyon, Ziyech has been in superb form for the Dutch giants this season and is now reportedly close to an exit this summer. A story from Calciomercato claims that Liverpool have made an enquiry of his position.
It is understood that the Reds are in pole position to land him this summer. But is he the right man for Liverpool?
Ziyech And His Style Of Play
Having spent two years apiece at Heerenveen and Twente, Ziyech joined Ajax in 2016, slowly climbing up the ladder in Eredivisie. After an impressive debut season, where he bagged seven league goals, the 25-year old has really stepped up his progress, registering nine goals and 15 assists, starting every league game in the season for his side.
Playing on the left side of a 3-man midfield in a 4-3-3 system at Ajax, Ziyech has shown great confidence in carrying in the ball into the final third but has been even better in dictating the game in front of him. An excellent dribbler with quick feet and superb vision, the Moroccan international loves to have the ball at his feet and is a hard man to mark.
His 15 assists this season have come from a range of passes while his ability to find the back of the net from long range or from dead balls only makes him more dangerous. At 25, he has finally established himself as one of the best in Europe and might be the right time for him to take a step forward.
Right Man For Liverpool?
It is time Liverpool fans stop questioning the credibility of players, the board at the club is spending on. The likes of Sadio Mane, Georginio Wijnaldum and Loris Karius are all examples of players who did not receive great reception at the start of their Anfield careers.
Similarly, with the likes of Nabil Fekir and Ousmane Dembele extensively linked with a move to the club, Ziyech is a slight downgrade. However, the Ajax man has the potential to be one of the best and is actually a superb fit for Klopp’s style of play.
While Naby Keita is expected to add fluidity to the Liverpool midfield, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain will be in charge of the creativity. But Ziyech and his patience in build-up play makes him a better option than the Ox in games against smaller opponents.
With the English international out for at least six more months, Ziyech might even start his Liverpool career in the first team. Fekir may yet be at the top of their list but Ziyech is definitely a player worth giving a shot.
