Tite Tests Ziyech as Botafogo’s No. 10
Hakim Ziyech could now play at the heart of Botafogo’s game. With regular playmaker Álvaro Montoro unavailable, Brazilian coach Tite moved the Moroccan international into a central role against Vasco. The experiment convinced him of the possibilities offered by the former Chelsea player.
An injury to Álvaro Montoro changed Tite’s plans. The Argentine playmaker injured his ankle in a household accident and missed Wednesday, October 7’s derby against Vasco. To replace him, Botafogo’s coach chose Hakim Ziyech, usually deployed on the wing, and entrusted him with orchestrating the attack.
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“Ziyech is a No. 10, a 7/10,” Tite said after his team’s 2-1 defeat. The coach particularly appreciates the Moroccan’s ability to change positions. “He can play centrally or on the wing,” he said, according to comments reported by Globo Esporte.
Ziyech played longer than expected
The former Brazil coach also acknowledged changing his plans during the match. Ziyech stayed on the pitch longer than he had initially intended because of the team’s “technical needs.” Tite is still looking for the best attacking setup for his squad.
The Moroccan is not the only contender for the No. 10 role, however. During the international break, the coach also tried Cristian Medina and Danilo Pereira in that position. The former can play centrally or on the wing, while the latter offers a more direct style of play, with a greater focus on the forwards.
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Competition could soon intensify. Montoro, the squad’s only true specialist playmaker, according to Globo Esporte, has resumed training and could rejoin the team against Coritiba on Monday, October 12.
For Ziyech, who joined Botafogo in September, this new role offers another chance to get playing time. But Tite has not yet decided to make the Moroccan a permanent No. 10.
