Hakim Ziyech hands Ajax shirts to youth players at training
Chelsea have been warned that Hakim Ziyech can be a coach's nightmare ahead of the Moroccan's transfer from Ajax. Erik ten Hag has admitted his relationship with the winger was not always easy in Amsterdam but the Blues' new signing is undoubtedly a brilliant player.
Chelsea agreed a £33.4million deal with Ajax for Ziyech back in February, with the 27-year-old completing the campaign in Holland before joining the Blues.
The winger, who's contract expires on Tuesday, has taken part in his final training session with the Dutch giants and will become a Chelsea player at the start of next month.
Ajax boss Ten Hag has spoken fondly of Ziyech but also warned his Blues counterpart Frank Lampard that the new signing can be hard work on occasions.
Speaking to Ajax TV on Ziyech's final day of training, Ten Hag said: "Hakim is 'what you see is what you get'. You see what his emotions are doing to him today.
Chelsea transfer news: Ajax boss Erik ten Hag thinks Hakim Ziyech is a 'nightmare' to coach at times (Image: GETTY)
"He said 'I am not a man of club love, but at Ajax it is different'. It is an emotional day for Hakim, but [I hope] he looks back on it in a good way.
"He comes in as a big man at Chelsea, a top club in Europe. That is the example for the younger players here. First become the best here, win titles and then take the step.
"He is a character, headstrong. But that also makes him brilliant.
"He sees things that others don't see. Sometimes he is a trainer's nightmare, but you have to give him space.
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A switch to Ajax followed in 2016 and Ziyech is now on his way to Chelsea after 49 goals in four seasons at the Johan Cruyff Arena - including 16 goals and 17 assists on the way to the 2018/19 title.
He will form part of a new-look attacking line-up at Stamford Bridge that will feature prolific German frontman Timo Werner.
Chelsea have agreed to pay the 24-year-old's £53m release clause at RB Leipzig, while the Blues are also targeting Kai Havertz and Ben Chilwell this summer.
Ziyech is set to compete with Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi for a starting berth in Lampard's outfit, with Pedro and Willian expected to depart when their recently-extended contracts expire.
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