Dutch journalist Suleyman Ozturk claimed Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was often frustrated with Hakim Ziyech’s defensive work rate on the pitch.
The 27-year-old started in three of Chelsea’s last four games but has not shown convincing performances in those games.
Ziyech has even gone four months without scoring or providing an assist in the Premier League since Sheffield United win in November.
The introduction of a new manager and a new system might have played a part.
The 3-4-3 structure forces Ziyech to play more centrally and often have to deal with more defenders around him than in the conventional right winger role.
Ozturk, a Dutch journalist, believes the Morocco international does not really have a choice considering how successful the system has been so far.
He even pointed out how Tuchel was often unhappy with Ziyech’s lack of defensive awareness on the pitch.
“Ziyech now has to adapt to the situation,” the journalist told Voetbal International.
“If Ziyech does play, you often hear Tuchel shout ‘Hakim, Hakim!’.
“And that is because he does not put pressure quickly enough after losing the ball.
“Tuchel [was] like that at a certain point — dissatisfied with the fact that he has taken him to the side again.
“And even in possession you [would] think [that Ziyech should] offer himself in a different way, more actively and with more energy.”
Ziyech ‘hasn’t forgotten how to play football’
Ozturk further added that Tuchel might lose patience with the winger if he continues failing to rediscover his best form.
“He plays with confidence, but he lacks the flair he did have at Ajax.” he explained.
“It doesn’t come out, the coach doesn’t have a lot of reason to pick him anymore.
“I still think if you were to draft him now at Ajax against Young Boys, you would immediately see three or four assists from him.
“He really hasn’t forgotten how to play football, but he’s joined Chelsea in a new reality that hasn’t been written for him.”
Read also: Chelsea fans furious at what Hakim Ziyech did during Leeds United draw
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