‘He’s their Neymar’: BBC pundit says £100k-a-week Chelsea star transforms his national team when he plays

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Martin Keown has named Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech as such a vital player for Morocco, describing him as their answer to Neymar.

Ziyech, who returned to the national team recently following a change of manager, is currently enjoying a brilliant World Cup tournament.

The £100,000-a-week Blues star is part of a Morocco side that have finished top of Group F at the World Cup, which sets up a last-16 tie against Spain in the knockout phase.

He provided a goal and assist during the African’s three group stage matches, including his eye-catching goal in last night’s 2-1 victory against Canada. The 29-year-old left-footed winger chipped in a finish from distance for Morocco after a mistake from the Canada goalkeeper.

Ziyech vital for Morocco

BBC pundit Keown was full of praise for Chelsea’s attacker midway through his performance yesterday at the World Cup.

In fact, he even compared him to 30-year-old Brazilian star Neymar, who is the talisman for the South American giants.

“Ziyech maybe just needed an arm around the shoulder, they’re a totally different team with him in the side. I think he’s their Neymar,” Keown said on BBC Two (3:39pm, 1 December).

Incidentally, Pat Nevin described Ziyech as “phenomenal” earlier in the tournament after his display in a win against Belgium.

Chelsea may find it hard to believe they’re watching the same Hakim Ziyech right now.

Admittedly, his chances in the Chelsea line-up have been limited this campaign. He made just nine appearances across all competitions this season before the winter break to make room for the World Cup, scoring zero goals and making zero assists.

However, the Moroccan wide man looks reborn now he’s back in a Morocco shirt representing his country.

He’s very much a flair player that might not been consistent over 90 minutes, but he’s still capable of producing individual moments of magic on a football pitch.

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