As Morocco’s national football team undergoes a phase of transition, attention turns to the potential successors for the esteemed captain Romain Saïss. While Yunis Abdelhamid’s decline at 36 raises concerns, Saïss, who has been a stalwart in defense, is also nearing the twilight of his international career. Coach Walid Regragui is already contemplating viable options for the eventual replacement of the defensive linchpin.
Having served as captain and defensive linchpin for the Atlas Lions, Romain Saïss has been a cornerstone of Morocco’s footballing prowess.
While speculations about his retirement arose following the disappointment at AFCON 2023, the seasoned defender may continue until AFCON 2025.
Amidst this, the impending question of his successor looms large, prompting strategic considerations from the coaching staff.
Aguerd, Riad, Abqar: Nurturing the Next Defensive Leaders
The coaching team, led by Walid Regragui, appears well-prepared for the gradual transition in defense.
A roster of promising players is emerging as potential successors to Romain Saïss. At the forefront is Nayef Aguerd, known for his partnership with Saïss in defense.
The West Ham defender is poised to step into the role of commanding the Atlas Lions’ rearguard.
Chadi Riad, despite his youth, has garnered attention for his impressive performance in Spain. Currently on loan at Real Betis, Riad has displayed promise and secured a spot on Morocco’s AFCON 2023 roster. He is widely touted as the heir apparent to Saïss, yet he faces stiff competition within the squad.
Abdel Abqar, another young central defender, awaits an opportunity to elevate his role within the Atlas Lions’ setup.
His contributions as a substitute have been noteworthy, reflecting his potential for a more significant role. Additionally, Achraf Dari (24 years old, Sporting Charleroi) and Ismaël Kandouss (26 years old, La Gantoise) are also in contention.
The next gathering of the Moroccan national team, scheduled for March 2024, will be a crucial juncture for assessing the capabilities of these emerging defensive talents.
Friendly matches against Angola and Mauritania will provide a platform to gauge the readiness of the potential successors to Romain Saïss, as Morocco navigates the shift towards a new era in its footballing legacy.
