Why Hakim Ziyech would be a brilliant signing for Everton

Back in April, the Liverpool Echo had claimed Everton were interested in signing Ajax star, Hakim Ziyech. However, the links cooled down and a move didn’t materialise during the summer transfer window.

Hakim Ziyech, 26, was on fire for Ajax last season, racking up 21 goals and 24 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions. He played a key role in Ajax’s run to the semi-finals of the Champions League, polishing his credentials further.

The Moroccan international has started the 2019/20 campaign in blistering form, scoring five and making nine assists in 15 appearances. The creative midfielder’s numbers right now are very difficult to ignore and Everton must rekindle their interest in him when the transfer window reopens in January.

Everton spent a lot of money over the summer in a bid to break into the top six this time around, after a strong finish to 2018/19 campaign. However, things haven’t panned out the way Marco Silva.

Silva has a lot of problems to address even after his team ended their four-game losing run with a 2-0 success over West Ham at the weekend. The Toffees do have exciting options in the forward department but their attacks often have come down the left flank this season.

The Merseysiders did bring in Alex Iwobi in the summer and while he has impressed in patches, the former Arsenal man tends to play on the left or through the middle.

Expectations are low with Theo Walcott, who hasn’t set the world alight since arriving at the club last year, while the likes of Bernard and Richarlison are more effective from the left flank.

To put things into perspective, Everton must invest on a right-winger in January and Hakim Ziyech would fit the bill perfectly at Goodison Park.

Ziyech is a technically-gifted and tactically versatile player, who is a prodigious user of the ball in the final third. While he prefers to play as a number 10 or on the right, the 26-year-old is capable of operating on the left and also as one of the advanced central midfielders in a 4-3-3 formation.

More Everton News

• Scout Report – Ronan Darcy being chased by Everton in January
• Why Everton need to make a decision on the future of Oumar Niasse
• Why Everton shouldn’t sell Moise Kean in January despite early struggles

The 26-year-old could add genuine quality to the wide areas. Operating on the right and cutting in on his favoured left foot, Ziyech could be the missing link at Everton.

The Moroccan is a player who could make a massive impact at Everton, chiefly because of the way they play. His quality on the ball in the midfield can quantify the runs made by their pacey and dynamic front three.

Verdict

Ajax will struggle to hold onto Ziyech for the long-term future. He is worth the gamble for a top club and Everton must make sure they succeed in bagging his signature.