Player Analysis: Hakim Ziyech

In February 2019, FIFA leveed Chelsea with a one-year transfer ban after the English club was found to have breached international regulations in relation to third-party influence and youth player registration.

While Chelsea were able to register Christian Pulisic, who they signed nearly two months prior to the ban before loaning him back to Borussia Dortmund for the rest of the season, and Mateo Kovačić, who they signed from Real Madrid on loan with an option to buy at the start of the 2018/19 season, they were prevented from signing any other players until February 2020. Shortly after their ban expired, Chelsea announced their first signing of the upcoming season, purchasing Ajax's Hakim Ziyech for €40 million plus bonuses.

Although Ziyech has mainly operated as a right winger in Erik Ten Hag's 4-2-3-1, he has the close control, vision, and passing precision to play in the #10 role. In addition, he is a dangerous shooter from distance with his powerful left foot, usually taking positions to shoot at the far post from the right side of the box.