Departing Ajax midfielder Hakim Ziyech is being backed as a future Chelsea captain.

Ziyech will join Chelsea on July 1.

Speaking to Football.London, friend and old Twente team-mate Youness Mokhtar said: “I didn't know him very well [when he arrived], just as a player.

"He already showed a lot of good things when he was at Heerenveen, but to train with him, and on the field, he showed me what he is capable of.

"I think he improved in the two years at Twente, but in his time with Ajax, he made big steps.

“He has the characteristics to be a captain. He is a leader.

"If things are not going well, he tries to lead and show what he's got and to make the team better. I was not surprised [to see him made captain at Twente]."