Ziyech nets first career hat-trick

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Dec 18, 2018. 12:00

Morocco international Hakim Ziyech capped his return to league action with a first career hat-trick on Sunday.

The Ajax Amsterdam midfielder scored three goals in an 8-0 demolishing of De Graafschap in the Dutch Eredivisie. Ziyech also chipped in with an assist for Dusan Tadic's opener for a 10th straight league victory.

The 25-year-old has been in impressive form for both club and country this calendar year: notable helping Morocco to 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification and his club side into the knockout stages of the 2018/19 Uefa Champions League.

Ziyech has scored 12 goals, assisting a further nine in 24 appearances across all competitions for the Dutch giants this season.

The former Heerenveen and FC Twente playmaker won the 2017/18 Dutch Footballer of the Year award and has further established himself as arguable the best player in the league once more this season.

Ajax will face defending champions Real Madrid in the Round of 16 of the Uefa Champions League next February, and the club supporters will be hoping Ziyech won't subject of several high profile bids next month.

Ziyech was heavily linked with a move to AS Roma in August, but decided instead to remain in Amsterdam before signing a new and improved deal at the club.