Morocco midfielder Reda Belahyane rediscover form under new Lazio manager Gennaro Gattuso

Moroccan international Reda Belahyane appears to have finally found his place in the Lazio squad after a difficult period struggling to establish himself under former coach Maurizio Sarri.

The midfielder has enjoyed a notable change in fortunes since the arrival of Gennaro Gattuso, who has handed him a different role in midfield and, in the process, helped the Moroccan rediscover the qualities that made him an attractive addition to the Lazio squad.

According to reports, Belahyane struggled for regular playing time during Sarri’s tenure. The former Lazio coach reportedly did not consider the Moroccan an ideal fit for either the defensive or creative midfield positions, leaving him behind other options in the squad hierarchy.

As a result, Belahyane found it difficult to build any real momentum and was limited to sporadic appearances.

The situation has changed significantly under Gattuso. The former Italy international has opted to place greater responsibility on Belahyane in the middle of the pitch, giving him a role focused on helping orchestrate Lazio’s play and connecting the different areas of the team.

That tactical adjustment has allowed the Moroccan to demonstrate a different side of his game and become increasingly influential in Gattuso’s midfield structure.

Belahyane is now being trusted as an important link between Lazio’s defensive and attacking phases, with his ability to move the ball, organise play and contribute to the team’s build-up becoming increasingly valuable.

He has also benefited from the presence of teammates such as Davide Frattesi and Ken Taylor, whose work in midfield provides the support and balance required for Belahyane to operate effectively in his new role.

The transformation, however, has not been solely down to Gattuso’s tactical decision.

Belahyane has reportedly responded positively to the opportunity, showing a strong desire to prove that he deserves an important role in the team.

The turning point came in Lazio’s meeting with Genoa, when the Moroccan was given a surprise opportunity and produced a performance that caught the attention of the technical staff.

His display reportedly convinced Gattuso and his staff that Belahyane could offer the team something different in midfield.

Since then, the Morocco international has steadily earned the coach’s confidence.

Belahyane has now started three consecutive matches, completing the full 90 minutes in each game, underlining the significant change in his status within the squad.

For a player who previously struggled to secure regular minutes, the run represents a major development.

Rather than being viewed as a fringe option, Belahyane is increasingly becoming an important component of Gattuso’s plans, with the coach seemingly finding a role that allows the midfielder to maximise his strengths.

The Moroccan now has the opportunity to build on this improved run and establish himself as a consistent presence in the Lazio midfield.

His transformation also highlights how a tactical change and increased trust from a coach can alter a player’s fortunes. After struggling to find a defined role under Sarri, Belahyane appears to have found a position in which his playmaking, ball progression and organisational qualities can flourish.

Gattuso’s decision to give him greater responsibility could therefore prove crucial to Belahyane’s development and his continued importance for both Lazio and the Moroccan national team.