Abdelaziz Barrada: Marseille’s New Hope with Star Potential, Says Walid Regragui
Olympique de Marseille have recently secured the signing of Abdelaziz Barrada, the Moroccan midfielder with experience at Paris Saint-Germain and Getafe. The arrival of Barrada has generated significant interest, with many hoping he will bolster Marseille’s young squad.
Walid Regragui, the former Toulouse, Ajaccio, and Spanish club Santander player who now manages FUS Rabat and once served as an assistant to the Moroccan national team, shared his thoughts on Barrada’s potential in an exclusive interview with La Provence.
Regragui expressed confidence in Barrada’s abilities, highlighting the midfielder’s technical skills and natural talent. “He has what it takes to bring a lot to an OM side that is investing in youth,” Regragui said. “Barrada has the potential to be a star in the making, much like Didier Drogba or Franck Ribéry when they first joined Marseille.”
Drawing comparisons with two of Marseille’s most iconic players, Regragui noted that Barrada, similar to Drogba and Ribéry, was initially underestimated during his early career. “Like them, he wasn’t fully recognized for his true value when he was younger,” he added. “But he has the chance to explode here in Marseille and build a career on par with theirs.”
However, the former player and coach also warned of the heightened expectations awaiting Barrada at Marseille. “The pressure will certainly be on his shoulders,” Regragui cautioned. “At a club like Marseille, where fans and the media demand success, maintaining consistency and delivering performances week after week is crucial.”
Barrada’s signing aligns with Marseille’s broader strategy of nurturing young talent and reinvigorating the squad with dynamic players capable of making an immediate impact. As the Moroccan midfielder prepares to showcase his skills on the Ligue 1 stage, all eyes will be on how quickly he adapts to the pressure and fulfills his promising potential.
With endorsements from respected figures like Regragui, there is growing optimism that Abdelaziz Barrada could become a key figure in Marseille’s future — perhaps even a star to be remembered alongside the club’s greats.
