Melchiot claims Thomas Tuchel plays role in Hakim Ziyech’s Chelsea struggles

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Former Blue Mario Melchiot said Hakim Ziyech’s poor form has been partly down to Thomas Tuchel’s not giving him the opportunity to find a “rhythm”.

The 27-year-old’s has not been able to live up to expectations in his first season at Chelsea.

Obviously, having several injury spells did not help, but Ziyech has not even been able to consistently perform despite a bright patch before November’s international break.

He has not been directly involved in any Premier League goal for over four months now.

According to Melchiot, the Morocco international has the potential to be a “special” player for Chelsea if Tuchel gave him the opportunities that he had under Lampard.

“He [Ziyech] doesn’t always get the opportunity,” the former Chelsea defender told Stadium Astro.

“I think Frank [Lampard] understood him better, he wanted him and went after him.

“I think Ziyech is facing now what he had at the beginning at Ajax.

“It was kind of difficult for him to get a run going. Once he got it, he was among the top-two players in the team.

“Now in the Premier League you have many stars around you. He has to understand that.”

Melchiot argued that as a player you often have to find a “rhythm” to get up to speed — and it could take a few games.

“So if he doesn’t get those games, it becomes really tough,” he added.

“I like him and I think he’s technically gifted, physically fit and understands the game well.

“At Ajax he would cross the ball so many times and there were players on the end of it.

“They [Chelsea] need to understand what his strengths are because if he can deliver that and really master that, it could be something special — if not then it becomes tough.”

Chronicle view

Melchiot had a point — we have all seen what Ziyech is capable of at his best.

But many would disagree with his claim about Tuchel has not given the winger enough opportunity.

In fact, Ziyech has had five starts under Tuchel, three of those (v Man Utd, Liverpool, and Leeds) in the last couple of weeks.

There is a competition for the two spots behind the striker in Tuchel’s 3-4-3, and it is inevitable that two or three Chelsea attackers will have to sit on the bench.

With a spot in the top four at stake, Tuchel would understandably pick the players who consistently deliver — and Ziyech, unfortunately, has not been able to do that.