Top 5 Moroccan Players of 2023

1. Sofiane Boufal

Boufal is set to contribute to Morocco’s efforts in the upcoming World Cup, and the decision is not surprising given his remarkable performances for his Ligue 1 team this season.

Playing for Angers, he has already notched three goals and provided three assists in 11 Ligue 1 games, showing signs of improving upon his previous season’s record of eight goals and four assists in 29 games.

For the 2023/24 season, Sofiane Boufal is playing for Al-Rayyan in the Qatar Stars League. So far this season, he has made 6 league appearances and scored 1 goal. Boufal joined Al-Rayyan in January 2023 from Angers SCO and has a contract with the Qatari club until June 2026. Additionally, he participated in the Emir Cup and the Qatari Stars Cup, adding to his contributions in various competitions this season.

Boufal, a versatile winger, has had a career marked by his skillful dribbling and creative play, which has seen him play in several leagues, including Ligue 1, the Premier League, and now in Qatar. His market value has seen fluctuations, peaking during his tenure at Angers before his transfer to Al-Rayyan.

2. Sofyan Amrabat

Sofyan Amrabat made his debut for the national team in 2017, opting to represent Morocco over the Netherlands.

Since then, he has consistently been a crucial member of the Atlas Lions, earning 38 caps for the national team. He then joined Manchester United in the summer transfer window

Sofyan Amrabat has had a notable 2023/24 season so far with Manchester United, following his season-long loan from Fiorentina. Amrabat, known for his versatility and defensive prowess, has made a strong impact in various roles for the team.

Performance Overview

Appearances: Amrabat has made several appearances across competitions, including the Premier League, Carabao Cup, and FA Cup. His exact number of appearances varies slightly between sources, but he has been a regular presence on the field since his arrival in September 2023.

Playing Positions: Initially deployed as a left-back due to injuries in the squad, Amrabat showcased his adaptability by performing well in this unfamiliar role. Later, he transitioned back to his more natural position in central midfield, often partnering with Casemiro. His ability to play multiple positions has been a valuable asset for Manchester United.

Key Statistics

Defensive Contributions:

• Tackles: Amrabat has been particularly effective defensively, with a high tackle success rate. For example, in his first start against Crystal Palace, he won 100% of his tackles.
• Duels: He also excels in duels, winning the majority of his challenges, which highlights his tenacity and physical presence on the pitch.

Passing and Ball Control:

• Pass Accuracy: Amrabat has maintained a pass completion rate of around 96% in key matches, indicating his reliability in maintaining possession and distributing the ball effectively. This high accuracy includes both short and long-range passes.
• Touches and Distribution: He has been integral in ball recovery and distribution, contributing to the team’s overall play with his precise passing and control under pressure.

3. Achraf Hakimi

Despite playing as a right-wingback, Hakimi proves to be influential in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game.

The PSG star has amassed over fifty international appearances for Morocco.

In the previous season, Achraf showcased his attacking prowess in Ligue 1, contributing to ten goals. In the current season, he has continued this trend by scoring two goals and providing one assist.

Achraf Hakimi has been a key player for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) during the 2023/24 season. Here are his notable statistics across various competitions:

1. Ligue 1:

• Appearances: 23 matches
• Goals: 3
• Assists: 2
• Minutes Played: 1,981
• Passing Accuracy: 88.55%
• Tackles: 45
• Balls Recovered: 61
• Yellow Cards: 4
• Red Cards: 0.

1. UEFA Champions League:

• Matches Played: 11
• Minutes Played: 981
• Goals: 1
• Top Speed: 36 km/h
• Distance Covered: 121.3 km
• Passing Accuracy: 88.55%
• Yellow Cards: 4.

Overall, Hakimi has maintained a high level of performance, contributing both offensively and defensively. His speed and ability to recover balls have been significant assets for PSG this season.

4. Hakim Ziyech

While he may not have cast his spell on the Premier League this season, “The Wizard,” as he is affectionately known, continues to be a vital player in Morocco’s World Cup aspirations. Although there have been some issues with the national team management, the Moroccan FA is actively working to resolve any concerns with the Blues forward ahead of the World Cup.

Hakim Ziyech’s performance in the 2023/24 season has been noteworthy, particularly for Galatasaray. In the Süper Lig, Ziyech has played 15 matches, scoring 1 goal and providing 4 assists. His average match rating stands at 6.87, with a notable passing accuracy of 82.7%.

In the UEFA Champions League, Ziyech has appeared in 5 matches, logging 251 minutes on the field. He has scored 2 goals and made 1 assist, maintaining a passing accuracy of 71.2%. His top speed recorded is 30.5 km/h, and he has covered an average distance of 5.4 km per match.

Overall, Ziyech’s contributions have been valuable in both domestic and international competitions, showcasing his skills and impact on the pitch for Galatasaray.

5.Yassine Bounou

Morocco’s primary goalkeeper concluded the previous season on a high note, clinching the Zamora Trophy. This accolade recognized him as the goalkeeper with the lowest goals-to-games ratio in La Liga.

Yassine Bounou, commonly known as Bono, has had an eventful 2023/24 season. In August 2023, he transferred from Sevilla to Al-Hilal for a reported fee of €21 million, and he is contracted with Al-Hilal until 2026. Throughout the season, Bono has been a key player for both his club and the Moroccan national team.

At Al-Hilal, Bono has continued to demonstrate his goalkeeping prowess, contributing significantly to the team’s performance in the Saudi Pro League. His individual performances have kept him in the spotlight as one of the top goalkeepers in the league.

On the international front, Bono remains a crucial member of the Moroccan national team. He was part of the squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Morocco aimed to build on their impressive form from the previous year. His performances in international fixtures continue to underline his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in African football.

Overall, Bono’s 2023/24 season has been marked by a significant club transfer and consistent high-level performances both domestically and internationally.

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