Ziyech can match Mahrez in Premier League after Chelsea transfer, says Morocco team-mate Saiss
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HAKIM ZIYECH can have the same kind of impact on the Premier League that fellow African Riyad Mahrez has had.
That’s the view of Wolves defender Romain Saiss – who plays with the Ajax forward for Morocco.
Ziyech is a £45 million summer target for Chelsea boss Frank Lampard – while Manchester United and Arsenal are also keen.
The 26-year-old was one of the key men as the Dutch club came within seconds of reaching the Champions League final last season.
Saiss is in no doubt his pal could become a huge star in England and hopes he will be lining up against him next season.
He also believes the attacking midfielder would become a big fans favourite if he ends up at Stamford Bridge or one of the other top clubs in Europe.
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Saiss said: “I speak sometimes with Hakim about his future because he deserves to play at a good club, a top league.
“I hope for him that soon he is going to move.
“Even if Ajax is a good club I think he can play higher and for an even bigger club.
“It would be a good thing for him to play in the Premier League. It’s a good league for him.
“The fans like a player like Hakim, skilful, exciting, and I’m surprised nobody has come for him.”
Ziyech has been at Ajax for three-and-a-half years after previous spells with Herenveen and FC Twente.
But Saiss is in no doubt his friend can make the step up and be a success over here.
He added: “Of course he can do more.
“He did very well in the Champions League a couple of years ago and I’m not surprised because he’s a good player.
“I think he can play for most of the big teams.”
Saiss was also a team-mate of Mahrez at Le Havre before the Algerian made his move to Leicester.
He was the top flight’s player of the year as the Foxes sealed a fairytale Premier League triumph in 2015/6.
Then he clinched a dream £60 million move to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
And Saiss reckons Ziyech could take the league by storm in a similar way.
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He told Sport360: “It was the same for Riyad when he was at Leicester.
“He needed time before he moved to City and I think it will be the same for Hakim.
“Riyad is more consistent now, scores goals, makes assists and is more clinical, showing the skill. I’m really happy for him.”