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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
TOM DUTTON

Chelsea signing Hakim Ziyech named Ajax player of the year for third season running

Chelsea signing Hakim Ziyech has been voted Ajax's Player of the Season for the third year on the spin.

Ziyech, who contributed to 130 goals in 165 games during four years with Ajax, will join the Blues in July after agreeing a £37.4m move in February.

His move comes after the Eredivisie season was declared void last month, ending hopes of a return to football in the Netherlands until next season at the earliest.

Ajax were top at the time, ahead of AZ Alkmaar on goal difference with nine matches remaining, but the decision to scrap season has denied the leaders the title.

"It’s a bit strange," said Ziyech. "You know that everything comes to an end, but it’s a strange way of closing this chapter.

"I am happy to take the next step, but you don’t want to end it like this. It feels as if you didn’t pass the exams, that’s how it feels. You’re powerless. It doesn’t feel like the season ended successfully."

However, Ziyech will not depart Amsterdam empty-handed because the 26-year-old has been awarded a third 'Rinus Michels trophy' in as many seasons.

He scored 10 goals in all competitions this season and helped put Ajax on course for a successful defence of the title they won last term.

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