Why Do People Hate Hakim Ziyech?
Hakim Ziyech is a professional football player who currently plays as a winger or attacking midfielder for Chelsea F.C. in the Premier League. Born on March 19, 1993, in Dronten, Netherlands, Ziyech began his professional career with Heerenveen in 2012 before moving to Twente in 2014 and then to Ajax in 2016, where he truly established himself as one of the best players in the Eredivisie.
During his time at Ajax, Ziyech won several trophies, including the Eredivisie title in 2018-19 and the KNVB Cup in 2018-19. He was also a key player in Ajax’s run to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in 2018-19, where they were eliminated by Tottenham Hotspur.
In July 2020, Ziyech joined Chelsea for a reported fee of £33.3 million, and he has since made over 50 appearances for the club, winning the UEFA Champions League in 2021 and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2022.
Ziyech’s Playing Style
Ziyech is known for his technical ability, vision, and creativity on the ball. He is an excellent passer and can create chances for his teammates with his incisive through balls and pinpoint crosses. He is also a talented dribbler and can beat defenders with his close control and trickery.
Despite his attacking prowess, Ziyech has also been criticized for his work rate and defensive contributions, with some fans and pundits believing that he doesn’t track back enough or press opposition players effectively.
Ziyech’s Controversy
While Ziyech is undoubtedly a talented player, he has also been the subject of controversy and criticism from fans and pundits alike. In particular, many have questioned his attitude and behavior both on and off the pitch.
Why Do People Hate Hakim Ziyech?
There are several reasons why some people have come to dislike or even hate Hakim Ziyech. Here are some of the main factors:
Perceived Arrogance and Attitude Problems
One of the biggest criticisms leveled at Ziyech is his perceived arrogance and attitude problems. He has been accused of having a “big ego” and being difficult to manage, with reports of clashes with coaches and teammates over the years.
Examples of Ziyech’s Attitude Problems
- In 2019, Ziyech was dropped from the Ajax squad for a game against Vitesse after clashing with head coach Erik ten Hag during a training session.
- At Chelsea, there have been reports of tensions between Ziyech and manager Thomas Tuchel, with the player being left out of the squad on several occasions.
- Ziyech has been known to react angrily to being substituted or left out of the starting lineup, further fueling the perception of his arrogance and lack of professionalism.
Inconsistent Performances
Despite his undoubted talent, Ziyech has often been criticized for his inconsistent performances, particularly since joining Chelsea. He has struggled to maintain a high level of performance over an extended period, leading to frustration from fans and pundits alike.
Ziyech’s Performance Statistics
| Season | Club | Games Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020/21 | Chelsea | 39 | 6 | 4 |
| 2021/22 | Chelsea | 44 | 8 | 6 |
| 2022/23 (so far) | Chelsea | 24 | 5 | 3 |
As the table shows, Ziyech’s goal and assist numbers at Chelsea have been decent but not outstanding, especially when compared to his impressive numbers at Ajax.
Injury Concerns
Ziyech has also been plagued by injury concerns throughout his career, which has led to frustration from fans and pundits who believe he has not lived up to his potential due to his frequent absences from the team.
In his first two seasons at Chelsea, Ziyech missed a significant number of games due to various injuries, including knee and shoulder problems. This has led to concerns about his durability and ability to consistently contribute to the team.
Perceived Lack of Work Rate and Defensive Contributions
As mentioned earlier, Ziyech has been criticized for his perceived lack of work rate and defensive contributions. Some fans and pundits believe that he doesn’t put in enough effort when his team is out of possession, which can make it difficult for his teammates to cover for him defensively.
This perceived lack of defensive work rate has led to criticism from fans and pundits who believe that Ziyech’s attacking contributions do not outweigh his defensive shortcomings.
Off-Field Controversies
In addition to his on-field issues, Ziyech has also been involved in a few off-field controversies that have contributed to his negative perception among some fans.
Notable Off-Field Incidents
- In 2020, Ziyech was one of several Ajax players who were accused of breaking COVID-19 protocols by attending a party.
- In 2021, Ziyech was criticized for his comments about the Chelsea fans, suggesting that they were “not always right” in their criticism of the team’s performances.
While these incidents may seem relatively minor, they have added to the perception of Ziyech as a controversial and divisive figure among fans and pundits.
Ziyech’s Defenders
Despite the criticism and negativity surrounding Ziyech, he also has his fair share of supporters and defenders. Many believe that he is a talented player who has been unfairly targeted and that his contributions to his teams have been underappreciated.
Supporters’ Arguments
- Ziyech’s Talent is Undeniable: Even his critics cannot deny Ziyech’s talent and technical ability on the ball. His ability to create chances and score goals has been evident throughout his career, and his supporters believe that he can still be a valuable asset to any team if used correctly.
- Injuries Have Played a Role: Ziyech’s supporters argue that his injuries have been a significant factor in his inconsistent performances and that he has not been given enough time to fully recover and find his best form.
- System and Coaching Issues: Some supporters believe that Ziyech’s perceived shortcomings may be due to the systems and coaching methods he has been subjected to, rather than his own shortcomings as a player.
- Cultural Differences: There have been suggestions that Ziyech’s perceived attitude problems and clashes with coaches may stem from cultural differences and misunderstandings, rather than outright arrogance or unprofessional behavior.
Potential Solutions
To address the issues surrounding Ziyech and potentially improve his performances and perception among fans and pundits, the following solutions have been proposed:
- Better Man-Management: Some believe that Ziyech needs a coach who can manage him effectively and bring out the best in him, rather than clashing with him over perceived attitude problems.
- Tactical Adjustments: Ziyech’s supporters argue that he may need to be deployed in a different tactical system or role that better suits his strengths and minimizes his weaknesses.
- Patience and Support: Injuries and adaptation to a new league and team can take time, and Ziyech’s supporters believe that he needs more patience and support from fans and coaches to find his best form.
- Personal Growth and Self-Awareness: There is a belief that Ziyech needs to work on his own personal growth and self-awareness, addressing any potential attitude or professionalism issues that may be holding him back.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hakim Ziyech is a talented and creative player who has undoubtedly made significant contributions to his teams throughout his career. However, he has also been the subject of controversy and criticism from fans and pundits alike, with concerns ranging from his perceived arrogance and attitude problems to his inconsistent performances, injury concerns, perceived lack of work rate, and off-field controversies.
While some of these criticisms may be valid, it is also important to consider the potential factors and perspectives that could explain or mitigate these issues. Injuries, cultural differences, coaching methods, and the need for better man-management and tactical adjustments have all been cited as potential factors contributing to Ziyech’s perceived shortcomings.
Ultimately, whether one loves or hates Hakim Ziyech, it is clear that he is a divisive figure in the world of football. His talent and potential are undeniable, but his ability to consistently perform at the highest level and integrate into team dynamics has been called into question.
As Ziyech continues his career at Chelsea and potentially beyond, it will be interesting to see how he addresses these criticisms and whether he can find a way to consistently showcase his best form while addressing any potential attitude or professionalism issues that may have held him back in the past.
Regardless of one’s opinion on Ziyech, his story serves as a reminder that success in professional football requires not only talent but also mental fortitude, professionalism, and the ability to adapt and grow as a player and person.
FAQs
What is Hakim Ziyech’s playing position?
Hakim Ziyech primarily plays as a winger or attacking midfielder, known for his creativity, technical ability, and vision on the ball.
Which clubs has Ziyech played for?
Ziyech began his professional career with Heerenveen in 2012, before moving to Twente in 2014, and then to Ajax in 2016. In July 2020, he joined Chelsea F.C. in the Premier League, where he currently plays.
What trophies has Ziyech won?
At Ajax, Ziyech won the Eredivisie title in 2018-19 and the KNVB Cup in 2018-19. With Chelsea, he has won the UEFA Champions League in 2021 and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2022.
What are some of the criticisms leveled at Ziyech?
Ziyech has been criticized for his perceived arrogance and attitude problems, inconsistent performances, injury concerns, perceived lack of work rate and defensive contributions, and off-field controversies.
What are some potential solutions to address the issues surrounding Ziyech?
Potential solutions include better man-management, tactical adjustments, patience and support from fans and coaches, and personal growth and self-awareness from Ziyech himself.
