As the upcoming FIFA international break in March 2024 beckons, the Moroccan national football team, the Atlas Lions, contemplates potential player returns and debut call-ups. Among the noteworthy considerations is the return of Adam Masina, a left-back whose presence could significantly bolster the team’s defensive lineup.
Embarking on a European tour at the commencement of the week, Coach Walid Regragui is strategically engaging with players to persuade them to rejoin the national selection.
This tour also serves as an opportunity for Regragui to hold discussions with former squad members who could make a comeback to the den in March. Adam Masina, despite experiencing a lack of playing time since the season’s inception with Udinese, has reentered the field following a loan move to Torino, rendering him eligible for a potential return to the national squad.
The left-back position has been a persistent concern for the Moroccan team, prompting Coach Walid Regragui to adopt makeshift solutions in recent months.
With Noussair Mazraoui predominantly playing on the right side, Regragui has resorted to improvisational strategies to address the left-back void.
The absence of key left-back players, such as Yahya Attiat-Allah, during the last AFCON 2023 led Regragui to deploy Mohamed Chibi, primarily a right-back, in an attempt to remedy the situation.
Recognizing the strategic importance of a dedicated left-back, Coach Regragui is eyeing the return of Adam Masina to fill this crucial deficit. Masina’s extensive experience, including previous appearances with the Atlas Lions, positions him as a valuable asset.
The 30-year-old defender, with 16 international caps, including five at the AFCON in 2021, is seen as a reliable option to enhance the team’s defensive capabilities.
Should Masina make a return, his familiarity with the national team setup is expected to expedite his integration into the squad, providing a solution to the left-back challenge faced by Morocco.
