As the upcoming international break looms on the horizon, Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri faces a formidable challenge to maintain his status in the national team. Since his return from the AFCON 2023, the Sevilla FC player has struggled to find his form, in stark contrast to the impressive performances of Abderrazak Hamdallah and Ayoub El Kaabi during the same period.
Coach Walid Regragui is set to announce the squad for the FIFA days in March 2024, and En-Nesyri finds himself in a precarious position.
The 26-year-old striker has played 330 minutes in four appearances for Sevilla, yielding only two goals. A three-match goal drought has raised concerns about his role as an indisputable starter for the national team.
In contrast, both Hamdallah and El Kaabi have been in scintillating form. Scoring seven goals each during the same period, El Kaabi, who played six matches, found the net in every appearance except against Panathinaikos in the league.
Hamdallah, absent from the AFCON , has netted seven goals in six matches since February 4, 2024, propelling Al-Ittihad FC to the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League.
As Coach Regragui contemplates his squad selection, the in-form duo of Hamdallah and El Kaabi present a compelling case.
The confidence they exude is a determining factor as the national team seeks to regain its footing after a disappointing performance at AFCON2023.
The Atlas Lions, in a bid to rebuild confidence, may explore tactical adjustments, potentially adopting a two-striker system to enhance their attacking prowess.
Facing Angola on March 22 and Mauritania on March 26 during the FIFA days, Morocco aims to showcase resilience and goal-scoring prowess.
The strategic decisions made by Coach Regragui in the selection process will not only reflect contractual loyalty but also consider the current outstanding form of Hamdallah and El Kaabi, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the national team’s frontline.
