Thomas Tuchel uncovers Mason Mount replacement as Chelsea's £138m summer chase clarified

If you track back all the way to November 2019 when Hakim Ziyech lit up Stamford Bridge for Ajax, it was understandable why the excitement over the announcement of his signing three months later was palpable.

This upcoming Thursday will mark two years since Chelsea originally announced the five-year deal to sign the Moroccan for £33.3m.

Ziyech's transfer began a major summer of business that would aim to ignite a new attacking lineup after the departures of Eden Hazard, Willian and Pedro. Although it has taken over a season and a half, Chelsea are finally starting to see the value of their investment on Ziyech.

His 89th-minute winner at Selhurst Park on Saturday saved what was a truly uninspiring Chelsea performance.

Ziyech appeared to be the only attacking player boosted by the gold world champions badge printed on his chest, consistently producing moments of elegance and inspiration in a game that provided the opposite.

A third consecutive Premier League goal means he's already bettered his goal tally in all competitions from last season and he only looks to be growing in importance to an attack that has lacked talismanic figures.

“If we play a 4-1-4-1 this is the position that suits him best,” Tuchel said on Ziyech following the game.

"He feels good to play from the very far right-wing. He has in the moment a good mix between taking the risk and between keeping the possession.”

Chelsea's risk-averse approach in possession forged little creativity which made Ziyech's sole opposition to that style so striking.

He could have had two assists on the day. In the first half carving a wonderful left-footed cross into the box after some neat trickery near the corner flag. Christain Pulisic could not sort his feet out in