PREMIER LEAGUE AWAITS
A beacon of devilishly intuitive impulses and unbridled inventiveness, Moroccan marvel Hakim Ziyech has a property portfolio commensurate with his talent.
Due to leave Ajax for Chelsea in July, the 27-year-old recently paid €4.4million for a lakeside villa in the swanky resort of Vinkeveen, 20km south of Amsterdam, and what fun Dutch journalists have had commenting on his sprawling pile. A 10-room palatial pad replete with marbled terraces, boathouse, heated swimming pool and games area, it screams sheer luxury in every corner.
In estate-agent parlance, Ziyech’s new waterfront home combines “the best of everything” – four words that very much apply to his own high-roller skill set.
His expressive left foot, mesmerising dribbling, 20/20 vision, speed, drive and eye for goal have seen him score 48 times for Ajax over four campaigns. Nominally lining up on the right flank but with total licence to move where the mood takes him, Ziyech stands at the nexus of artistry, fluidity and modern playmaking. That Chelsea only had to spend €40m to acquire him simply screams value for money.
The strongest suit of the Dutch-born Moroccan international is undoubtedly his creativity. This past season alone he racked up no fewer than 21 assists in all competitions and, all told, he has set up 82 goals in Ajax colours. Since 2016, the year he arrived from Twente, he has made 60 goals in the Eredivisie – more than anyone else in the Dutch top flight over the same period of time.
“If you give him the time and spacePeter Bosz
