AZ Alkmaar coach disappointed as Ayoub Oufkir chooses Morocco over Netherlands

AZ Alkmaar coach Leeroy Echteld has admitted his disappointment after promising winger Ayoub Oufkir opted to represent Morocco at senior international level rather than continue his international career with the Netherlands.

The 20-year-old received his first senior call-up to Morocco on Wednesday after being included in head coach Mohamed Ouahbi’s 26-man squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Niger.

Echteld confirmed that he had personally spoken to Oufkir about his international future and encouraged him to consider representing the Netherlands. However, he acknowledged that the final decision rested with the player.

“I spoke to Ayoub about this. Initially, you try to steer a player towards the Netherlands, but ultimately, it’s his decision, and I told him to trust his instincts,” Echteld said, according to Dutch newspaper Voetbal International.

AZ coach admits disappointment over Morocco decision

The AZ Alkmaar coach, who previously worked as an assistant with the Netherlands Under-21 team, expressed regret at losing another promising player to a different national team.

“It’s a shame because we’re talking about good players whom you’d rather keep in the Dutch national teams,” he explained.

Echteld also suggested that the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) should improve its communication with dual-nationality players by outlining their international plans earlier in their development.

“Perhaps in the future, you could speak to them earlier and explain the plans you have for them, rather than waiting until the last moment when they’re being pulled in different directions,” he said.

Despite his disappointment, the AZ coach maintained that Oufkir had the right to make a decision based on his personal feelings.

Oufkir leaves Netherlands youth set-up for Morocco

Born in Rotterdam, Oufkir has represented the Netherlands at several youth levels and was part of the Under-19 team that won the 2025 European Championship after beating Spain 1-0 in the final.

He subsequently progressed to the Netherlands Under-21 side, making four appearances and scoring twice.

The winger was also involved in three consecutive Under-21 matches in October, finding the net in a 4-2 victory over Slovenia during European Championship qualifying.

His performances attracted attention at club level, leading to a move from Sparta Rotterdam to AZ Alkmaar in January 2026. He signed a contract that runs until June 2030.

Ouahbi identifies qualities that can strengthen Morocco

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi has moved to secure Oufkir’s international future by including him in his latest squad.

During Wednesday’s squad announcement, Ouahbi highlighted the winger’s pace, technical ability, dribbling and crossing as important qualities that could strengthen the Atlas Lions’ attacking options.

Oufkir could make his senior debut for Morocco during the upcoming double-header against Niger in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

The Atlas Lions will host Niger on November 13 in Casablanca before facing the same opponents again on November 17 in Rabat.

The fixtures present the young winger with an opportunity to begin a new chapter in his international career after representing the Netherlands throughout his youth development.