Louis Van Gaal has been around the block a few times, and seen a few players in a long and glorious managerial career. He’s also famously unafraid to speak his mind.
So it’s great to get his take on a player who has come through at his old club Ajax.
Hakim Ziyech has everyone excited after being announced as Chelsea’s big summer signing, 6 months early. With no football on at all, we’re left without much to distract us apart from dreams of how Frank Lampard’s team will look next season.
And Van Gaal, despite his naturally critical tone, is super positive about the Moroccan’s chances of making it at Stamford Bridge:
“He has developed tremendously at Ajax. Not so much in creativity, but as a team player,” the former Manchester United boss said in quotes picked up by Football.London.
“The public has come to realise that he works very hard for a creative person. And then he also scores goals and gives assists. Then you are a special player,” he added.
It’s a glowing endorsement from a straightforward and experienced manger who doesn’t hand them out easily. The idea that Ziyech is going to be able to bring the little creative spark that Chelsea were lacking this season, plus some running and enthusiasm for Frank Lampard’s team, is a very pleasing image, and one we’re more excited than ever to see played out on the pitch.
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