Liverpool target Hakim Ziyech shows glimpses of talent in Morocco loss to Iran

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Iran’s players stormed the pitch at full-time as if they had won the World Cup rather than just their opening match after an own goal from Morocco’s Aziz Bouhaddouz gifted them a dramatic 1-0 victory on Friday.

    Wasteful finishing looked to have consigned this  contest at the Saint Petersburg Stadium to a goalless draw but Bouhaddouz’s mistake in injury-time means Iran emerge as the early challengers to Spain and Portugal in Group B.

    For Morocco, the result is a bitter one to take.

    Here, we analyse the performance of one slight bright spark in the clash – coveted star Hakim Ziyech.

    STATISTICS 

    Goals – 0

    Assists – 0

    Shots – 3

    Shots on target – 1

    Touches – 64

    Passes – 48

    Key passes – 1

    Dribbles – 0

    Crosses – 2

    FBL-WC-2018-MATCH4-MAR-IRI

    30-SECOND REPORT

    A little taster of what Ziyech can produce rather than the full platter, but he suffered with the inequality of talent around him.

    Aside from Younes Belhanda, no fellow Lion showed the type of composure necessary to unpick a crafty Iran backline.

    And the Ajax star, who has been linked a move away this summer with clubs like Liverpool and Roma interested, appeared restricted by a deeper role with the clear tactic from boss Herve Renard to exploit the space in behind Iran’s full-backs.

    This meant Ziyech very often dropped in deep as first receiver to spray long diagonal passes right to left. But on too many occasions, moves would slow or break down entirely after he released.

    The same issue raised it’s head with anything short. Ziyech zipped cutting balls as he roamed from one side of the pitch to the other but again creation thereafter was in short supply.

    He did have an opportunity to score himself, however, notably missing a glorious opportunity in the first half before forcing a stunning stop from the Iran keeper with an awkward volley in the second.

    According to Opta, he attempted at least seven more passes than any other player in the opposition half during the first-half, completing 75 per cent of 20 attempted.  A pointer to his enterprise, but as Morocco faded so too did his impact.

    GOT RIGHT

    Releasing the ball – As noted above, Ziyech’s passing, particularly in the first-half, was near impeccable but it wasn’t just the weight of his release – it was the timing. His awareness to spring a team-mate free as they hit top speed while drawing in opposition defenders to free up space was intelligent and impressive.

    GOT WRONG

    Faded impact – The first half showed glimpses of his quality, but in the second he almost disappeared from view. At tournaments like this, you need stars like Ziyech to bend the game to their will and unfortunately for Morocco he dimmed to the background rather than spark to life.

    in focus new

    KEY MOMENTS

    3rd min CHANCE: Early corner which Younes Belhanda takes and he deceptively rolls the ball to Ziyech on the edge of the box who is in acres of space and with the whole goal to aim for, he completely mistimes the strike for an air shot.

    20th min SHOT: Free-kick is clipped in and Achraf Hakimi climbs to head back towards his own goal. Ziyech is quick to react, but slices his first-time shot across goal with the ball pinballing around the area.

    79th min CHANCE: Ziyech almost grabs the opener with a scintillating strike. Belhanda does well to take in a cross from the left, he lifts the ball into Ziyech’s path and he connects beautifully off his left foot from 20 yards only for Alireza Beiranvand to push the ball out for a corner with a great diving save.

    VERDICT

    Was the fulcrum of Morocco’s attack in the first half, but couldn’t quite break down a stubborn Iran defence before fading after the break.

    He is a talent for sure and perhaps with better players around him a more positive display would be assured but otherwise, this was far from his best.

    RATING: 6/10

    All statistics are compiled using whoscored.com

    Recommended