‘Ziyech Will Help Chelsea Unlock Defences’- Frank Lampard

The 26-year-old Morocco international was signed from Ajax on Thursday for £33.3m and will move to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

Chelsea have struggled to break down opponents who sit deep against them this season. Since November, they have dominated possession but failed to score in games against West Ham, Bournemouth, Southampton and Newcastle.

Lampard is hoping the arrival of Ziyech – who has an impressive 21 assists in 30 appearances this campaign – can change that, telling Sky Sports News:

“I think he’s a fantastic player.

“He first came into my eye-line in their [Ajax’s] run in the Champions League last year. I thought he was one of their standout players, particularly in their games against Tottenham.

“We’ve come up against them twice this season so I know a lot about him. I know about his qualities. He’s got a great left foot and plays generally off the right-hand side but can play behind the front man.

“Probably when you look at us this season there have been games where we may have maybe struggled to unlock the door. He’s certainly a player we hope can bring that bit of creativity and something different for us.

“He scores goals, assists. I know it’s not coming now but I think it’s exciting for us as a club and the fans to know that he’ll be here next year.”