Ziyech will be a success at Chelsea, says former Ajax star Olsen

Jesper Olsen said there is “no doubt” Hakim Ziyech will be a success for Frank Lampard’s Chelsea after leaving Dutch giants Ajax.

Ziyech is preparing for his first season in the Premier League following his €40 million (£33.5m/$43.3m) arrival at Stamford Bridge from Ajax in July.

The Morocco international winger, who provided at least 10 assists in each of his six previous campaigns in Amsterdam, impressed in his first appearance for Chelsea as the Blues drew 1-1 against Brighton and Hove Albion in last week’s friendly.

Olsen, who won back-to-back Eredivisie titles and the KNVB Cup during his time with Ajax between 1981 and 1984 before joining Manchester United, told Stats Perform News: “There’s no doubt he will be a success at Chelsea.

“I think Frank Lampard has done a really good job. He knows the club inside out. Seems to be very good in terms of management and playing style. This is the important thing, he wants to attack and play offensive football. That will not be a problem [for Ziyech].

“The players coming out of Ajax, they are like that. Being a defender or midfielder, you are attacking-minded. No doubt about that.”

Meanwhile, former Denmark international Olsen’s countryman Christian Eriksen has endured a difficult start to life at Inter.

Eriksen swapped Tottenham for Antonio Conte’s Inter in January, however, the Danish star was unable to establish himself in the starting line-up.

Of Eriksen’s 17 Serie A appearances, only eight of them were starts as Inter finished second behind champions Juventus, while he only started two of the club’s six Europa League fixtures en route to the final.

“I’m sure a big change from the Premier League,” Olsen – a 43-time Denmark international winger – said. “London and then you go to Milan, a fantastic place. A very good team as well. I’m sure the way they do things is different to how they did things at Tottenham.

“It takes time I’m sure to settle in. Christian can play in any team really. He is probably one of those players you sometimes don’t notice as much but he always does his job. Always solid and you can rely on him. I’m sure he will come good.

“He is probably happy the season has come to an end so he can get to know the place a bit better and to settle in for the new season. The way he is as a player, I’m sure he will come good.”