World Cup 2022: Manchester City’s Rodri Praises Chelsea’s Ziyech Ahead of Spain Morocco Match

• Spain and Morocco will go head to head on the final day of Round of 16 matches
• Manchester City midfielder Rodri has praised Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech
• Spain will be wary of the threat posed by Morocco from the wing and set pieces

The round of 16 of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup is gradually coming to an end, with Spain and Morocco battling it out in the final round of matches tomorrow.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has praised Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech, recognising him as a very great player as well as a dangerous one Spain should be wary of.

The two countries had different paths to the knockout stages. Morocco topped their group which also included the runners-up and third placed team of Russia 2018 respectively, Croatia and Belgium.

Spain, on the other hand, made themselves to toil to make it out of the group with a 2-1 loss to Japan, despite hammering Costa Rica 7-0 in their opening game.

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Rodri warns Spain of Ziyech

Rodri and Ziyech both play in the Premier League and though Ziyech has not performed to expectations, his World Cup outing so far has alerted Rodri to his ability.

Rodri commented that Spain should be wary of Ziyech's threat from crosses, set pieces and shooting, while speaking to reporters as quoted by Irish Examiner:

"They have very good quality players and they work very well in a collective way. Ziyech is a great player, he is playing very well... Very dangerous when he shoots. But I think Morocco have great players, not just Ziyech."

Ziyech has a goal and an assist so far at the World Cup and was named man of the match in Morocco's 2-0 win over Belgium.

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Sports Brief earlier reported that Ziyech is playing well for Morocco while under-performing for Chelsea, since joining the Blues from Ajax in 2019.

Ziyech has failed to replicate his lightning form from his days at the Dutch club that earned him the nickname 'the wizard of Amsterdam', only occasionally turning up for the Blues.

Chelsea and Ziyech could be looking to part ways early next year, although a proposed move to AC Milan failed in the summer.