Struggling Van de Beek and Ziyech backed to come good

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 1 min read

Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek and Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech have been backed to shine in the Premier League by Dirk Kuyt.

The pair moved to England for big money last summer from Eredivisie giants Ajax but both are struggling to establish themselves at their new clubs.

Van de Beek has played only 303 minutes of Premier League football, making just two starts.

Ziyech, meanwhile, has struggled with injuries and has not scored for Chelsea for over three months.

However, former Liverpool attacker Kuyt – who also made the move from the Eredivisie to the Premier League – is confident that both players will come good given time.

“They have performed fantastic in the Champions League, and have shown that they can compete with the absolute top of the world,” Kuyt told Ziggo Sport.

“Then you come to Chelsea or United and then you want to continue that. It just takes time.

“If you look at the qualities of those players, I am convinced that if they can keep the patience, they will get there. They are going to experience a very nice period there.”

Van de Beek was again an unused substitute during Man Utd’s 3-3 draw with Everton on Saturday, staying on the bench even after Paul Pogba was forced off with injury.

Chelsea are next in action on Sunday evening at Sheffield United, with Ziyech hoping to be involved under new manager Thomas Tuchel.