Raising questions and expectations regarding his role within the Atlas Lions squad. With the 22-year-old midfielder now joining Morocco’s ranks, pundits and analysts are divided over whether he can measure up to the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Riyad Mahrez, the titans of African football.
Diaz’s decision to choose Morocco over Spain has sparked intense debate within the footballing community, particularly given his stellar performances with Real Madrid this season.
Having played for top clubs like Manchester City and AC Milan, Diaz brings a wealth of experience and skill to Walid Regragui’s team, bolstering an already formidable squad poised for international success.
Speaking on the Canal + Sports Afrique, journalist Nabil Djellit expressed optimism about Diaz’s potential impact on the Moroccan team.
Djellit emphasized the need for Morocco to have a standout player like Mané or Mahrez, suggesting that Diaz could fill that role and elevate the team to greater heights.
However, former Mali captain and current Canal + Sport Afrique consultant Cédric Kante tempered expectations, asserting that Diaz has yet to prove himself at the level of Salah or Mané.
Despite Diaz’s affiliation with Real Madrid, Kante emphasized the need for him to demonstrate his capabilities on the international stage before being likened to African football icons.
The debate surrounding Diaz’s inclusion highlights the high stakes involved as Morocco prepares to face Angola and Mauritania in upcoming friendlies.
With the Atlas Lions striving to maintain their momentum following a strong showing at the last World Cup, Diaz’s arrival adds another layer of intrigue to the team’s dynamic.
As Morocco navigates its international campaign, all eyes will be on Diaz to see if he can live up to the lofty expectations set by his predecessors and cement his place among African football’s elite.
The upcoming matches against Angola and Mauritania will serve as a litmus test for Diaz as he seeks to make his mark on the international stage and justify his decision to represent Morocco.
Brahim Diaz 🇲🇦✨ pic.twitter.com/3yAG2AhegJ
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) March 22, 2024
