Yasser Zabiri earns La Liga Team of the Week spot after Racing Santander brace

Moroccan forward Yasser Zabiri has been included in Sofascore’s La Liga Team of the Week for the fifth round after playing a decisive role in Racing Santander’s 2-1 comeback victory over Deportivo Alavés.

The 21-year-old received an 8.6 rating from Sofascore following his two-goal display at El Sardinero, earning recognition alongside several of the division’s leading performers.

Zabiri’s rating was higher than those recorded by Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham and Barcelona star Rodri in the Team of the Week selection.

Zabiri inspires Racing comeback

Racing Santander fell behind when Ville Koski gave Alavés the lead in the first half.

Zabiri responded before the interval, finishing in the 38th minute after being played through by Iñigo Vicente to bring Racing level.

The Moroccan then struck again shortly after the restart to complete the turnaround and secure a 2-1 victory for the newly promoted side.

The win was Racing’s second of the season, while Alavés suffered their first defeat of the campaign.

Zabiri’s contribution extended beyond his goals, with the forward providing Racing’s main attacking threat throughout the contest and earning the 8.6 rating that secured his place in Sofascore’s Team of the Week.

Five goals in five La Liga appearances

The brace against Alavés has taken Zabiri’s tally to five goals from five league appearances in his first La Liga campaign.

His scoring form has quickly established him as one of Racing Santander’s key attacking players, with his goals directly influencing the outcome of their latest matches.

The Moroccan’s performances have also attracted increasing attention in Spain as he continues to deliver consistently in front of goal.

From Mohammed VI Academy to Spain

Zabiri’s emergence in La Liga represents another step in a career that began in Morocco’s youth system.

He developed at the Mohammed VI Football Academy before starting his senior career with Union Touarga. He subsequently moved to Portugal to play for Famalicão before continuing his development in Europe.

His performances for Morocco’s youth teams also helped establish him as one of the country’s promising attacking players.

Now at Racing Santander, Zabiri has quickly made an impact at the highest level of Spanish football, with his contract running until June 2027, according to Sofascore.

Barcelona test awaits

Zabiri’s impressive start will face another major examination on Wednesday when Racing Santander travel to face Barcelona.

The fixture will give the Moroccan forward an opportunity to continue his scoring form against one of the biggest clubs in Spanish football as Racing look to build on their positive start to the campaign.