Morocco’s early scouting shifts the battle for dual nationals | OneFootball

Morocco’s national team has been reshaped by an aggressive early talent drive among dual nationals, a strategy that has caught European federations on the hop. According to Le Progres, the approach now underpins a side increasingly built on players raised abroad.

Against Canada, 10 starters were born outside Morocco. The only player without dual nationality was Azzedine Ounahi, born in Casablanca.

When Nasser Larguet took charge of the national technical directorate in 2014, he pushed to identify top prospects far earlier, at 12 to 14, rather than waiting until 18. A dense scouting network across Spain, France, Belgium and the Netherlands followed, with selection limited to those of clear potential and a genuine desire to represent Morocco.

Achraf Hakimi became the first major breakthrough, with Spain reacting too late. As results improved, the pipeline widened and momentum grew.

France could on Thursday face six players who also hold French nationality. Midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, a highly rated talent who has represented France throughout the youth ranks and captained a youth side in March, has opted for Morocco at senior level. Assistant coach Guy Stéphan has played down the loss, pointing to France’s midfield depth and the player’s right to choose.

Larguet says modern infrastructure in Morocco, sometimes superior to Europe’s, combined with strong performances, now makes the national team an attractive option for dual nationals over their birth countries.

Source: Le Progres