Why France should beware of El Aynaoui’s all-action form | OneFootball

Neil El Aynaoui has emerged as a midfield pillar for Morocco and is one to watch against France in Thursday’s quarter-final, 22:00 French time. At 25, the Nancy native is building an international reputation.

According to Le Progres, one of many dual nationals in the Morocco squad, he never truly wavered over his choice, opting for Morocco despite delaying a decision while former coach Walid Regragui courted him. He wanted a fair shot at starting in a rejuvenated set-up.

He came into the squad in September and, despite a coaching change in spring, has remained a mainstay. He has 21 appearances, all starts, and has missed only about 10 minutes, after the 4-2 group win over Haiti at his first World Cup.

This is his second major tournament in six months, after AFCON won on home soil. Former RC Lens team-mate Adrien Thomasson says he is not surprised, highlighting El Aynaoui’s staying power and the work that does not show in the numbers.

Thomasson also notes clear physical gains, calling him even more box-to-box, more enduring and more aggressive, winning more balls. El Aynaoui shares that long-limbed, intelligent, ball-winning profile with Ayyoub Bouaddi, who joined him in midfield this summer.

Those traits have stood out at this World Cup and will again be essential if Morocco are to impose themselves against the Bleus. Thomasson adds that the midfielder’s rise is not finished and the next step would be to go higher still.

Source: Le Progres