Ismael Saibari, Morocco’s false nine and World Cup revelation | OneFootball

Ismael Saibari has lit up the World Cup group stage for Morocco, scoring in all three games and becoming the first African to do so. Bayern Munich have announced his arrival, adding to his fast-rising profile.

Less heralded than Brahim Diaz, Achraf Hakimi or prospect Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 25-year-old has thrived as a false nine. According to L'Équipe, he has been the Atlas Lions’ surprise package in America.

His route has been unlikely. Born in Spain then raised in Belgium from the age of six, he overcame a congenital foot malformation that required orthopaedic support, later endured weight concerns that saw Anderlecht release him, with Romain Saïss stressing his powerful build rather than excess.

Walid Regragui first brought him into the national set-up and highlighted his positional play. New coach Mohamed Ouahbi then tried him as a false nine, a role that misfired in a 1-1 friendly with Ecuador on 27 March, but persisted and it now suits him, giving him licence to drop in and break beyond defenders.

He struck the opener against Brazil in Morocco’s first World Cup match, which finished 1-1. A multilingual presence in the dressing room, he is viewed as respectful and team-first.

Next is a round-of-32 meeting with the Netherlands in the early hours of Monday, kick-off at three am, a chance to remind former Eredivisie colleagues from his spell there since 2020. Before leaving PSV, Saibari is focused on helping Morocco go as far as possible.

Source: L'Équipe