Hakim Ziyech offered new hope for Chelsea’s future after World Cup exploits with Morocco

Graham Potter insists Chelsea are “delighted” with Hakim Ziyech and urged patience with the Blues’ extended senior squad.

Ziyech played a major role in Morocco’s fourth-place finish at the World Cup, showcasing his entire creative repertoire on the world stage in Qatar.

The 29-year-old has struggled to establish himself in similar fashion at Stamford Bridge, leaving AC Milan closely monitoring his situation with a view to luring the former Ajax playmaker to Serie A.

Ziyech has only played nine times for Chelsea this season, but boss Potter still sees a crucial role for the talented striker.

“He was a bit removed from the first XI when we came to the club,” Potter said. “But he got involved and we know his qualities. We like him as a player, and he’s someone who plays between the lines.

Ziyech joined Chelsea in 2020 as part of Frank Lampard’s Blues overhaul. Lampard considered securing the services of Ziyech and his game-changing abilities a major coup, but was never able to get the best out of the mercurial striker.

Thomas Tuchel’s favored system offered little opportunity for Ziyech to capitalize on his specific talents, but Potter is not about to give up on carving out the right niche at Stamford Bridge.

“You can always talk a lot about Chelsea, because there will always be good players who are not in the starting XI, and you have to be patient,” Potter said.

“But we were delighted with him, and delighted for him at the World Cup, I kept in touch with him throughout the tournament. He’s a good guy and he’s got quality.