Group F is an interesting group for a few reasons. Has Belgium’s golden era finally come to an end? Can Croatia go again after going so close last time? Does Morocco’s team on paper warrant them being labeled dark horses? And finally, how will Canada get on in their second World Cup ever? Belgium will automatically be favourites for the group and people may well think Croatia are second favourites, especially after playing so well in the Nations League. However, on paper the Morocco team does look frightening with many top players in their ranks. Canada qualified in top spot from North America too and as such cannot be underestimated.
The 2022 installment of the World Cup will be Morocco’s sixth entry into the tournament. Only on one occasion have they made it through the group stage, that was in 1986. Morocco will really fancy their chances of repeating their exploits in ‘86 and getting beyond the first round. This time round they have a wealth of talent that is playing across Europe’s elite. Players such as Ashraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat and Youssef En-Nesyri are becoming household names. There is also a terrific mix of youth and experience, the ages of the 26-man squad ranging from 18 to 33. Despite all the excitement, boss Walid Regragui has only been in-charge for two games, both of them friendlies. One man who seems part of his plans is midfielder Azzedine Ounahi.
Azzedine Ounahi, 22 (Morocco/Angers)
Ounahi is a young, up-and-coming central-midfielder who can also be deployed on the flanks, due to his ball-carrying ability. Ounahi’s frame is on the face of it a weak looking one, however he manages to use his body well and his unpredictable touches allow him to gain the space he needs. In order to get out of the group Morocco must be able to attack teams and cannot lie down like they did four years previous when they were grouped with Spain, Portugal and Iran. In each game they were beaten by one goal and only scored one goal themselves in three games. Coming out and attacking should be easier this time round with players like Hakim Ziyech and Ashraf Hakimi being the obvious creative players. To supplement these attackers, Morocco now have Ounahi who’s underlying numbers for Angers in the last year have been impressive.
Comparisons are being made using FBRef and will compare Ounahi to other players in the top five leagues in Europe, as well as the top two continental competitions. Comparisons are also being made to central-midfielders rather than wingers as despite playing both positions, he plays most in this role for club and country.
We have already mentioned the dribbling and ball-carrying ability of Ounahi, but let’s get into the numbers. Ounahi is within the 99th percentile, accomplishing an average of 2.26 dribbles per 90 minutes. In terms of dribbling style, it would be best described as lots of little touches to catch defenders out. The style he uses could also be described as unconventional and slightly awkward looking but it is quite obviously effective and allows him to get beyond defenders and into dangerous positions.
Another impressive part of his game is his passing ability and his desire to progress down the field. Initially, we can see that for pass completion he finds himself in the 77th percentile, averaging a pass completion per 90 of 85.8%. While this is not mind-blowing, the numbers are still very strong and when you twin that with his progressive passes received average per 90 of 4.08 it becomes more impressive. For this PPR average, he scores within the 93rd percentile. So while Angers struggle as a side and he does not yet have a goal or assist to his name this season, the stats back up his effectiveness and daring to get down the field via a dribble or pass.
Unfortunately, for whatever Ounahi can do going forward it is not being helped by the horrific defence of Angers. The side from the Loire Valley are currently bottom of Ligue 1 having conceded 34 goals in 15 games.
If Morocco are to be more daring this season, they will have to go through Ounahi, who will no doubt be a big part of any success they have in Qatar.
*All statistics taken from FBRef website
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