Frank Lampard has praised the performance of Hakim Ziyech, after the summer signing marked his full Premier League debut with a goal and an assist in Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Burnley on Saturday.
Ziyech signed for Chelsea from Ajax in February and moved to west London over the summer, but has had to wait for his first taste of English football after missing the start of the season with a knee injury.
The winger had been restricted to substitute cameos upon his return, but made his full Chelsea debut against Krasnodar on Wednesday and was named in the starting XI once more for Saturday’s victory at Turf Moor.
Ziyech was on target during both matches as the Blues stretched their unbeaten run to six games, and Lampard was delighted by his impact.
“I expected a lot of him because I was aware of his quality which is why I brought him to the club,” Lampard said [via the Express]. “I’ve said it a lot now but he brings a different quality to us with his eye for a pass, his receiving, his crossing, his assists.
“But what I’ve seen since he’s been here as well is his personality when he plays – to want the ball. His work rate off the ball is very, very good as well and he’s brought those qualities and that gives us a big boost.
“Two games in a few days with a trip to Russia in between for him after being out for so long; it’s been a really good start for him.”
Lampard also offered an update on Christian Pulisic, who was originally named in the starting XI but was replaced by Timo Werner before kick off.
“Christian had a small sensation in his hamstring so we had to pull him, he couldn’t play the game,” Lampard said. “He felt that in part of the warm up so we’ll have to scan it. I can’t give you a time on that until we’ve seen that.”
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