Hakim Ziyech admitted he felt completely energised following yesterday’s friendly win for Chelsea against Bournemouth.
Speaking to club reporters after the match, Ziyech shared a positive update on his fitness and general attitude towards the result.
The Moroccan started the match, linking up well with Callum Hudson-Odoi down Chelsea’s right-hand channel.
He came close to curling one into the far corner, but just couldn’t quite get the required bend.
Thomas Tuchel’s side eventually secured the victory, thanks to second-half strikes from Armando Broja and Ike Ugbo.
Happy Hakim
It was a trial run for most of the returning loanees, yet there was also plenty of pressure upon several first-team players.
Tammy Abraham and Hudson-Odoi had a point to prove, as did Ziyech, whose maiden Chelsea campaign wasn’t revolutionary.
Admittedly, his season was slightly disrupted by two separate injuries.
After last night’s full-time whistle, the 28-year-old explained how he felt fully fit and raring to go again.
“I’m feeling great,” he said.
“I feel sharp and I’m looking forward to the next game.
“I think the days off that we had were good for us, everyone is looking fresh and you saw that on the pitch because everyone looked hungry out there.
“It was a nice evening, especially having a full crowd back in the stadium to support us.
“At this time right now, we are enjoying every moment on the pitch.”
Came in like a Ziy-ecking ball
Having Ziyech back to his best could be crucial for Chelsea this year.
His creative influence was certainly lacking in 2020/21, as he managed just four assists in 39 appearances.
With the attacking talent at Tuchel’s fingertips, expectations to produce big numbers are certainly high.
Yet, scoring goals was certainly an issue under the German coach; Jorginho finished as the top Premier League marksmen with seven.
Combining Ziyech’s magical left-foot with an efficient no.9 may be the downfall of Europe, let alone England.
That’s only if he can remain off the treatment table and in the fold regularly.