Ziyech is our Neymar and Mbappe says Morocco coach

Ziyech is our Neymar and Mbappe says Morocco coach

Hakim Ziyech returned to the Morocco national team squad for the World Cup under new coach Walid Regragui, after being left out by former coach, Vahid Halilhodžić. Ziyech has repaid Regragui’s faith by stepping up for Morocco in Qatar and he has been hailed by the coach as the country’s best player.

Regragui says Ziyech is not just another player and should be loved. He further compared him to what Neymar is for Brazil and what Kylian Mbappe is for France. Ziyech compared to Neymar, Mbappe Regragui hailed the Chelsea attacker as an important player in the Atlas Lions squad after the win over Spain.

“What he’s doing is tremendous. The Moroccan people wanted to see him and were encouraging him and he responded to that. We need to give him responsibility and he needs to be loved. It’s like Neymar for Brazil, Mbappé for France,” he said.

Regragui disagrees with coaches who think every player should be treated alike, and says Ziyech thrives when he is loved and respected.

“You can’t just see him as another player; he’s your best player. Some coaches say all players should be treated equally, but that’s not the case. Hakim is not just another player; I show him love and respect, because it’s what he deserves.”

Ziyech has been underwhelming for Chelsea and it is believed he will leave the club in January, as he feels let down by the club’s hierarchy.

Ziyech and Christian Pulisic are two Chelsea players who have stepped up for their countries in the World Cup, despite poor form at the club.

Ziyech is our Neymar and Mbappe says Morocco coach