How Hakim Ziyech would fit in at Chelsea

The 26-year-old Moroccan is poised to join the Blues in a deal worth €45 million (£37.8m), according to De Telegraaf. Ziyech was influential in Ajax's fairy tale run in the Champions League last season, which took them to the semi-finals. 

There are some different ways in which Chelsea could line up with Ziyech. So, without further ado, let's take a look at how Ziyech can fit under Lampard.

Right Winger Forward in 4-3-3 formation

This formation is the most obvious formation which Lampard will use. The only reason Chelsea bought Ziyech was because of his exploits as a right-winger at Ajax last season. This formation would allow the left-winger (Hudson-Odoi or Pulisic) to cut inside and receive services from Ziyech. With Willian and Pedro likely to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season when their contract expires, Ziyech would be the obvious choice to fill in the void. We all saw how deadly Ziyech was on the right-wing in Chelsea's 4-4 draw against Ajax in the Champions League where he was involved in 3 goals. 

This is how the team would look with Ziyech on the right-wing:

KEPA

REECE JAMES    RUDIGER     TOMORI    AZPILICUETA

KANTE         JORGINHO        MOUNT

ZIYECH               ABRAHAM        HUDSON-ODOI

Attacking Midfielder behind Tammy in 4-2-3-1 formation

Ziyech used to play as number 10 during his days at Heerenveen and Twente. This means he also has the experience of playing as an attacking midfielder behind Tammy Abraham. This system would give him the freedom to roam freely in the attacking half behind the striker. His ability to create chances through long balls makes him perfect to play behind Tammy in the 4-2-3-1 formation. This would also mean that Lampard will have to tweak the midfield from single-pivot to double-pivot. However, this formation isn't new to Lampard as he has used this formation with Mason Mount as number 10.  

This is how the team would look with Ziyech as number 10:

KEPA

REECE JAMES    RUDIGER     TOMORI    AZPILICUETA

JORGINHO     KANTE

PULISIC             ZIYECH       HUDSON-ODOI

ABRAHAM

Wide Right Midfielder in 4-2-3-1 formation

This is another good formation to accommodate both Ziyech and Mount. This would need a double-pivot with Jorginho in a more deeper role allowing Kante/RLC/Kovacic to move forward and help out the attack. This formation can quickly be turned into a 4-2-1-3 as both wingers would start playing ahead and Mount drops deep in the midfield as a 10. Ziyech's left foot can be used effectively in cutting the midfield. 

This is how the team would look like with Ziyech on the right-wing:

KEPA

REECE JAMES    RUDIGER     TOMORI    AZPILICUETA

JORGINHO     KANTE

ZIYECH       MOUNT/RLC         PULISIC

ABRAHAM

Central Midfielder in 4-3-3 formation

Chelsea youngster Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic both need playing time desperately and if Lampard chooses to start both, 4-3-3 would be a good formation. This would allow both wingers to play on either wing with Tammy up-front. A midfield trio of Ziyech, Kante/Jorginho and Mount would be ideal. This is where Ziyech's versatility pays off as he will be able to play in a much deeper role shielded by the holding midfielder. 

This how the team would look like with Ziyech as a midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation:

KEPA

REECE JAMES    RUDIGER     TOMORI    AZPILICUETA

ZIYECH         JORGINHO        MOUNT

PULISIC               ABRAHAM        HUDSON-ODOI