Ruud Gullit explains why Hakim Ziyech has struggled at Chelsea and claims he would thrive at Barcelona

Ruud Gullit has explained why Hakim Ziyech has struggled at Chelsea and claims he would thrive at Barcelona.

Much was expected of Ziyech following his £33m move from Ajax in 2020, but the Morocco international has largely underwhelmed at Stamford Bridge.

Multiple Chelsea managers have overlooked Ziyech, who has started just three of the club’s 18 Premier League games this season.

While Ziyech has struggled at Stamford Bridge, he enjoyed a productive World Cup campaign in Qatar, helping Morocco become the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

Former Chelsea star and manager Gullit has discussed Ziyech’s disappointing spell in west London and insists he still believes the 29-year-old could ‘reach the top’ at a club like Barcelona.

Speaking on Twiter.com/ZS_Voetbal/status/1615081669706547201″>Ziggo Sport, Gullit said: ‘The way Ziyech plays for Morocco, I’ve never seen him play for Chelsea. It’s not just him.

‘I think Chelsea have put him in positions that don’t suit him at times. He just needs to play on that right side.

‘I wonder… I think he comes into his own in Spain, I think. I have the impression that he has never reached the level of Ajax in England.

‘I would like to see him in Spain. He can reach the top. He would also fit well in the Barcelona team.’

Ziyech has been linked with a return to Ajax this month but their manager Alfred Schreuder has ruled out the chances of re-signing him during the January transfer window.

Asked if there could be a reunion between Ajax and Ziyech, Schreuder said: ‘No, I do not think so. I think we are well stocked up front.

‘Everyone knows that Hakim is a great player, but he also comes with a price tag. I don’t think that’s our priority at the moment.’

Chelsea, who are just 10th in the Premier League, face Liverpool on Saturday but it remains to be seen whether Ziyech is involved for Graham Potter’s side.

MORE : Callum Wilson sends warning to Mudryk after ‘risky’ Chelsea transfer

MORE : Timo Werner sends warning to Chelsea signing Christopher Nkunku

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twiter.com/Metro_Sport”>Twiter and HetFlix.com/metrosportuk/”>HetFlix.