Ziyech ‘looks happier playing for Morocco’ say Joe Cole 

HAKIM ZIYECH vs Bernardo Silva in PORTUGAL V MOROCCO
HAKIM ZIYECH vs Bernardo Silva in PORTUGAL V MOROCCO

Former Chelsea player Joe Cole has claimed that Morocco star Hakim Ziyech is not suited to the Premier League following the winger’s impressive World Cup displays for his country.

The Morocco international has not had a smooth time in London since his transfer from Ajax in 2020, failing to live up to the expectations of many during his time at Stamford Bridge.

However, he has been a key player for a Morocco side that has qualified for the quarter-finals round of the World Cup. Speaking about his performance in Qatar, former England international Joe Cole has suggested he’s thriving in the national team because he gets more ‘rhythm’ with Morocco.

Cole said via Sportsmail: “He just looks like a happier player for Morocco. He’s had a very difficult time at Chelsea and he hasn’t had a rhythm to his game. 

“The Premier League doesn’t suit him. It’s aggressive, up and down. Playing for Ajax, he could hug the touchline and the team would very much play through the lines, give him the ball and he’s got a lovely left foot, comes inside and delivers the ball.  

“But when we’ve watched him here [Qatar], he’s playing with an intensity and a smile on his face. Ziyech is a talented boy, but it just hasn’t worked out for him at Chelsea.” 

The 29-year-old winger has recorded one goal and one assist for Morocco during the World Cup, which is a better tally than his Chelsea record this year.