Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech was substituted on 69 minutes by manager Thomas Tuchel after the Moroccan struggled in the 1-0 win over Barnsley last night.

The 27-year-old has barely featured since Tuchel was appointed as head coach but he was given a chance to impress in the FA Cup tie. He did not take his opportunity, losing possession on 25 occasions, and supporters on Twitter commented on his display after the match:

Awful is understatement

— Joaquin (@Gerrard2k4) February 11, 2021

The pitch didn’t help but his numbers were REALLY abysmal.

However, it’s not just today. He’s been poor for a while and that pitch was equal for every Chelsea player today.

— Ｂｒｉａｎ (@BrianGDK_) February 11, 2021

3 curly crosses in 20 appearances ain’t great. He looks lost.

— Wazzygib_CFC (@wazzygib) February 11, 2021

He’s been bad for a while

— Rei (@CFCRei) February 11, 2021

It’s not the performance, he just stopped trying… One of the reasons Fergie always call Chelsea Southern Softies in the 90s was because of players like Ziyech and Pulisic.. Yes Gilmore wasn’t fantastic but he was putting his small weight around…

— OlaRay (@tso4karma) February 11, 2021

Ziyech this night <<<<<<<<

— Mazi Chigbo’gu (@Mazi_Chigbogu) February 11, 2021

ziyech played rubbish

— Major_vibe〽️ (@Major91537962) February 11, 2021

Fact is he is struggling. I hope he get his game up soon

— Bolaji Oluwafemi (@HefhemOfficial) February 11, 2021

What the hell is happening to him?

— THAT OYO BOY???????? (@TajudeenSulai17) February 12, 2021

There are mitigating circumstances that do somewhat explain Ziyech’s poor form. He has had two significant injuries which have disrupted his season so it is important to take that into consideration.

However, the Moroccan international has also been criticised by Tuchel for failing to adapt to the speed and intensity of English football, leading to him being left out for Premier League games.

Ziyech has a challenge on his hands to try and prove to Tuchel he is worthy of more minutes whilst also performing when he’s clearly short of match sharpness.