Ruud Gullit has urged Hakim Ziyech to explore his options and seek an exit from Chelsea. The 29-year-old has been heavily linked with a departure from west London on a number of occasions after falling out of favour under both former boss Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter.
Ziyech, who sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expire in 2025, has featured 14 times for the Blues this season, directly contributing towards just one goal. While the winger has struggled to enjoy consistent spells of form for Chelsea, he's excelled on the international stage with Morocco.
He was key to Walid Regragui's side navigating their way past the likes of Portugal, Spain and Belgium into the World Cup semi-final. With Ziyech struggling to impress in the Premier League, he's been encouraged to find a new club in La Liga - namely Barcelona.
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Speaking to Ziggo Sport, as quoted by Dutch outlet Fean Online, Gullit explained how he is yet to see the Moroccan play as well for Chelsea as he does for his country. The former Blues player and manager added that a change of scenery could benefit Ziyech, especially now that Mykhailo Mudryk has signed for the Blues.
"The way Ziyech plays for Morocco, I've never seen him play for Chelsea," Gullit said. "It's not just him. I think Chelsea have put him in positions that don't suit him at times. He just needs to play on that right side.
"I wonder. I think he comes into his own in Spain, I think. I have the impression that he has never reached the level of Ajax in England. I would like to see him in Spain. He can reach the top. He would also fit well in the Barcelona team."
There has been speculation over Ziyech's future for some time. In November, he was quizzed by Dutch outlet NOS if a return to the Eredivisie would be on the cards in January.
As quoted by the Metro, the Chelsea winger said: "It's hard to say, difficult to say. We don't know what will happen in the winter. It's football, so it's difficult to say."
Earlier in November, Rafael van der Vaart insisted that Ziyech could be the final piece of Tottenham's title-winning puzzle. Speaking to Ziggo Sport, the former Tottenham midfielder said: "Hakim Ziyech has to join Tottenham. If Tottenham get Hakim Ziyech, they could win the Premier League. I am serious."
Marco van Basten chipped in and also claimed that the £22million-rated winger needs a change of scenery. He added: "There is another transfer window coming up. It is sad and a shame. Ziyech is a great player.
"We have to see someone like that, we watch TV for such a player, and we come to the stadium. It is a pity for the whole of football that he is on the bench.
"If these kinds of players do not get minutes, it is not good for football. There should actually be a rule that clubs can only have a certain number of players.
"So they [Chelsea] have way too many, and that actually makes football less interesting. A player like Ziyech could just play at another club and entertain the fans."
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