Former Blues defender was not impressed by Hakim Ziyech‘s performance for Chelsea against Fulham despite praising Graham Potter’s decision to start the winger.
Graham Potter went with a 4-3-3 formation in Friday’s derby against Fulham, and Ziyech’s presence on the right flank certainly raised some eyebrows.
It was only a few days ago that the 29-year-old was reportedly “stranded in Paris” in an attempt to complete a loan move to Paris Saint-Germain which collapsed at the 11th hour.
Many expected Potter to face the difficult task of reintegrating Ziyech, who was said to be upset by the situation, so the manager’s team selection might have been part of his plan.
Leboeuf, however, said that Ziyech failed to repay what he described as the right move from Potter.
“I was pleased by the decision because I think it was a very good move from Graham Potter to make sure that Ziyech is back in business and focuses on what he has to do,” the former France international told ESPN FC.
“Putting him in the team selection put him back on track.
“That was a good idea, but Ziyech’s game was not as good as we expected.
“It was awful except for that one pass he made [to Havertz].”
In fairness, Ziyech was not the only Chelsea player who struggled to perform in the goalless draw with Fulham.
Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, and even new signing Mykhailo Mudryk also failed to make any significant impact in the game, and this is partly down to Fulham’s resilient defence too.
In addition to that, Reece James, who just returned from an injury absence, did not look at his best. Without effective overlapping runs from James, Ziyech had a hard time creating space on the right side of the pitch.
Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
