Ian Wright ‘loving’ Chelsea star’s energy at World Cup and says he’s different animal playing for country

Ian Wright has talked up the performances of Chelsea misfit Hakim Ziyech for Morocco at the World Cup, and has explained why the player excels for his country but struggles for his club.

The 29-year-old has seemingly been a regular bench-warmer for the Blues since a £33m switch from Ajax in summer 2020. And while he has performed relatively well when called upon, his inconsistent displays have seen him regularly linked with moves away.

Those moves reached fever pitch over the summer when Chelsea sought to offload the former Ajax man. AC Milan, Tottenham and former club Ajax were all reportedly pushing for his signing. However, Chelsea’s valuation seemingly put paid to those transfer hopes.

Since then, Ziyech has failed to find favour under either Thomas Tuchel or Graham Potter.

And the Moroccan has just one start to his name in the Premier League and Champions League combined this season. He has stepped off the bench on seven other occasions though. But Ziyech has cut a languid figure, whose mind appears on a move elsewhere. To that end, zero goal contributions tells its own story.

Despite that lack of action for Chelsea, it has not stopped Ziyech stepping up for his country. He has started all five of their World Cup games so far and the African nation will take on France on Wednesday for a place in the World Cup final.

And while not grabbing the headlines, Ziyech has been a solid performer with his side edging out Spain and Portugal in the knockout rounds.

Ian Wright wowed by Hakim Ziyech performances

Explaining the wow-factor that Ziyech brings, Wright has certainly been impressed by his displays for Morocco.

“I’m loving Hakim Ziyech at this World Cup, I’m loving him,” he said on the Wrighty’s House podcast. “I love the way he’s playing.

“He plays with a different energy when he plays for his country. I watch him at Chelsea and I’m not being negative, but the difference is this man needs it when he’s playing for Morocco.

“Remember he had all those problems with the [previous] coach, he wasn’t playing, then the coach is gone, they got their guy in and look at where they are now.”

Wright’s sentiments are echoed by fellow pundit Roy Keane, who also thinks Ziyech is a different animal for his country.

“Hakim Ziyech seems like a different player – it’s a different environment, sometimes players struggle at club level, but the World Cup and international football can suit other personalities better,” Keane told Sky Bet.

“Ziyech looks like a big personality for Morocco, and you don’t see that at club level for Chelsea.”

Ziyech will hope his displays at the World Cup can earn him a move away from Stamford Bridge in the new year.

Of the sides linked, it is Milan who seem most keen with a loan deal, with an option to make the move permanent, under consideration.

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