Player Focus: Stardom Beckons but Ziyech Vision is to Remain at Twente for Now
For every cloud there's a silver lining. In the case of FC Twente, whose season (due to financial mismanagement) turned into a nightmare, it's been Hakim Ziyech. There will be no continental football in Enschede after the summer, and the chances of star players leaving are high, but supporters have been reassured their mercurial playmaker – and key to a brighter future – will be remaining at the club.
The words "I'm not done yet," were music to under pressure manager Alfred Schreuder ears. Ziyech continued; "A season like we've had (with six points deducted and elimination of European football) I hope to never experience as a player again". Testing times are ahead, but that doesn't mean better days can never return. Restoring order, and implementing a system that gets the best out of those at Schreuder's disposal, is paramount. Building a team around the continually improving Ziyech isn't the worst idea. He today represents everything promising about the club.
There are few players in the Eredivisie that excite as much as he does. What the last 18 months have demonstrated is his limitless potential. At his rate of development next season can be Ziyech's breakout campaign similar to the one Memphis Depay – departing for Manchester United – has just undergone. Although he's not as explosive, understandable given the difference of positions - as well as personality: "I don't live for goals. I prefer to make a decisive pass than score," - there is a subtle finesse about him that has seen one observer liken him to Mesut Özil.
It might come across as hyperbolic but watching the 22-year-old at close quarters, you can begin to understand why the comparison was initially made. There are similar traits between the two in terms of a distinctive style of play, but only time will tell whether he becomes as good as the German international. However the signs are promising.
His latest campaign yielded 13 goals and 16 assists, which only puts him behind Luuk de Jong (20 goals and 10 assists) in the 'most valuable player' standings when it comes to direct goal contribution. His feats guaranteed a place in WhoScored's team of the season, and like Özil – as he was dubbed at Real Madrid – Ziyech can label himself the "king of the assists". His tally (16) is the best return of any player in this season's Eredivisie. In fact, across his two seasons as a professional footballer, he's created 25 goals in 66 games. 36% of those came during his year with childhood club Heerenveen, whom Twente, with Ziyech as conductor extraordinaire (two goals and an assist), defeated this past weekend.
The occasion was understandably emotional. "A special game," was Ziyech's own view. His brilliant performances during the 2013-14 season in blue and white saw influential magazine Voetbal International introduce him as a "classical 'number ten' with a golden left foot". Marco van Basten, then manager, was convinced of his ability, describing him as "a player with many qualities". Heerenveen's loss was Twente's gain this past autumn, and though the season hasn't turned out as many hoped Ziyech has kept his side of the bargain – filling the Dušan Tadić sized hole in the Tukkers’ midfield – one of the few in red that have performed at a reasonable level.
He ends 2014-15 as Twente's highest rated player (7.60), slightly ahead of Jesús Manuel Corona (7.58), who has been earmarked as Memphis' successor at PSV. In truth Ziyech has been the cornerstone of this current version of Twente. At full flight he is a joy to watch. He brings a different dimension to their game – playing as the deep-lying forward or on the flank – his tactical discipline, spatial awareness, energy, speed of thought, decision-making and technical ability have been rightfully lauded. The temperament he's displayed is a testament to his character; serene and secure, comfortable in everything he does, the pressures of top-flight football are greatly felt by many of his contemporaries, but not him.
His story is similar to many across the Netherlands. It was on the streets where he developed his love of the game; everywhere he went so did his football, it became such an obsession you'd be forgiven if those around him started to think he was becoming anti-social. Then again such was his gift he most likely was encouraged.
From a difficult upbringing, joining Heerenveen's youth set-up aged 11, he's now an example. "As a young boy you are very impressionable," he explains. "You cannot afford to make many mistakes [off the pitch], because then your career would be over before it's really begun". Now mature beyond his years he reminisces, "luckily with the help of others I have made the right choices and it's going well". So much so he's developed into the archetypal playmaker Dutch fans love.
One of his strengths is dribbling (1.5 per game) – only wingers Corona and Youness Mokhtar in his side averaged more. Others include playing accurate through balls (0.3 per game) and crosses (1.9 per game). He leads the way in both categories at Twente. And though his average passes per game is a tame 30.8 he's proven to be effective, as no player in the entire league has created more chances (83). If there's one area of his game that can improve it's his physicality, especially if he envisages a future playing in one of Europe's more demanding leagues. It’s a concern he has previously acknowledged; "I have to be physically stronger, watch my diet and rest, and work even harder in training".
We've seen progress this season, with 33 matches played (missing just the one through suspension), completing the 90 minutes in all but five of those games. But as Dutch footballing legend Willem van Hanegem once stated "brains and technique in football, physicality for weightlifters". What the fleet-footed playmaker lacks in size he makes up for with vision, his every thought is making the next chance.
In a short space of time Ziyech has announced himself as a major player in the years to come. Staying in the present he can be the solution to Twente's woes on the pitch, but obviously he can't do it by himself – with squad renovation necessary as well as being inevitable. However, their chances of a full recovery increase dramatically with Ziyech around.
How impressed have you been with Ziyech's performances and is he right to stay on at Twente for another year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
Very impressed with his performance, definitely a star in the making if he's not already one. While his decision to stay at Twente next season is a bit puzzling, there might be a silver lining. He can take the Depay route,as mentioned in the article, refining his talents even further to make himself irresistible for potential buying clubs, driving his transfer market value higher. Twente's financial trouble is a concern, and the club might be forced to sell this summer despite Ziyech's and Schreuder's wishes. Whichever holds true, with his talents, there are no worries.
Those stats are ridiculous
Incredible statistics and a player we will definitely see in the best leagues in Europe soon. One thing I was a bit surprised with the fact he played 31 matches, was involved in 27 goals and did not score or gave an assist in 15 matches. That leaves 16 matches for him to be part of the 27 goals. So my conclusion is, when he is on fire, he is REALLY on fire during a match :)