Morocco call-up for AZ Alkmaar winger Ayoub Oufkir raises questions

Ayoub Oufkir’s first Morocco call-up has prompted debate, with the 20-year-old AZ Alkmaar winger selected by Mohamed Ouahbi for the match against Niger despite limited senior experience.

Oufkir has scored two goals in 10 Eredivisie appearances this season. Although he has made a promising start to his campaign, he is not yet an established starter for his club.

His inclusion has nevertheless caught some Morocco supporters by surprise, with one questioning on social media: “Ayoub Oufkir, apart from providing security, I do not see why he deserves to be called up.”

The reaction reflects wider doubts over the decision, with some observers suggesting Ouahbi may be acting early to prevent Oufkir from choosing the Netherlands in the future.

“Oufkir is simply the Ebnoutalib situation happening in the meantime… Look no further,” another social media user wrote, referring to the young forward who was taken by Jurgen Klopp and Germany from under Morocco’s noses.

The implication is that Morocco want to avoid a similar outcome involving Xavi and the Oranje in the coming months, should Oufkir continue to develop.

There is a sporting argument behind the debate. Oufkir has not yet fully established himself in the Eredivisie, and his selection is regarded by some as surprising given the competition for places, including from Couhaib Driouech.

However, Morocco’s attacking options have been affected by several absences. Ilias Akhomach is injured, while Rayane Bounida, Chemsedine Talbi and Osame Sahraoui have not been playing regularly. Amine Harit also appears to be outside Ouahbi’s plans, as does Hakim Ziyech, despite Ziyech continuing to play in Brazil.

Ouahbi defended the decision in his pre-match news conference and highlighted the qualities he believes Oufkir can bring to the squad.

“Oufkir is a very, very dynamic player, very quick and very technical. He turns very, very quickly, is capable of beating opponents and also has a very good cross,” the Morocco manager said.

He also pointed to the winger’s versatility and the tactical options that could come from using him on the left.

“The fact that he can play on the left could allow Youssef [En-Nesyri] to score goals with his head, or Zabiri,” Ouahbi added with a smile, underlining Oufkir’s delivery from wide areas.

The manager believes a number of his younger players, including Oufkir, can take another step forward over the coming months and become credible options for the next Africa Cup of Nations.

Oufkir offers several of the attributes Ouahbi is seeking: explosiveness, comfort in tight spaces, the ability to eliminate opponents and mobility. In that respect, his profile bears some resemblance to Gessime Yassine, another young talent highly valued by the manager.

The upcoming involvement with Morocco will show whether this is the start of Oufkir becoming a regular for the Lions of the Atlas or simply an initial introduction to the squad.