Donny van de Beek backs Hakim Ziyech to impress at Chelsea

Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek has said that teammate Hakim Ziyech deserves his transfer to Chelsea at the end of the season.

Earlier on Thursday, the two clubs formally confirmed that the Morocco international was due to move to Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window.

Having contributed eight goals and 16 assists in the Eredivisie and Champions League this season, Ziyech has been tipped to be a success in the Premier League by his fellow midfielder.

Van de Beek told Voetbal Primeur: "I wish him everything and hope he will do very well there. It is a step he deserves in my opinion. He is a fantastic football player, so I am confident that he will do well.

"I think it's a very nice club with a lot of young players that can grow. I think Hakim will certainly be in the right place. Everyone, of course, had their opinion about that, but I think it's a nice club for him."

Ziyech has spent his entire professional career in Dutch football, also representing Heerenveen and FC Twente.