Harry Diamond
Hakim Ziyech insists Chelsea ‘believe’ they can win the Premier League this season and has discussed comparisons with former favourite Eden Hazard.
Chelsea have recovered from an indifferent start to produce an impressive run of form, last weekend’s goalless draw with Tottenham extending the Blues’ unbeaten run to 11 games in all competitions.
Frank Lampard’s side currently sit third in the Premier League – two adrift of both Tottenham and Liverpool – though the Chelsea boss has been keen to play down talk of a potential title challenge this season.
Ziyech, however, insists the squad are confident in their ability to contend with the division’s best sides and says belief is crucial to the west London side’s hopes of becoming champions.
“Of course we can make a challenge,” Ziyech said, as per the Telegraph.
“You always have to believe in it. It starts from believing in it and then working every day harder. At the need of the day we will see what it brings.
“But you have to believe it is possible and that is what we are doing. We believe it.”
The Moroccan international has made an impressive start to life at Stamford Bridge since his summer signing from Ajax, scoring twice and providing three assists in all competitions.
Ziyech’s technical talents and creativity have seen the 27-year-old earn comparisons with former Chelsea star Hazard, and the winger admits he takes ‘inspiration’ from the ‘world-class’ Belgian.
“Eden is a world-class player,” said Ziyech. “You always take inspiration from that, how he plays the game and you always look at the small things, how he does stuff and I can learn a lot from him.”
Ziyech arrived at the club this summer as part of an expensive window of spending from Chelsea, joining a host of exciting additions including the likes of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Thiago Silva.
Those marquee arrivals have added to an already strong squad at Frank Lampard’s disposal this season and the winger admits he is hopeful of improving further around ‘better players’ in the Premier League.
“Of course, that’s why you want to take a bigger step,” Ziyech added. “To challenge yourself with better players around you. That’s a good thing for every player.”
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