Oussama Tannane Caught Between Morocco and the Netherlands Amid Stellar Eredivisie Start
With five goals and one assist already this season for Heracles Almelo, Oussama Tannane is quickly emerging as one of the Eredivisie’s most exciting young talents. The 21-year-old Dutch-Moroccan winger is attracting attention not just from clubs, but also from two national teams: the Netherlands and Morocco.
In an interview with beIN Sports, Tannane revealed he is currently undecided about his international future, weighing offers and interest from both sides. On one hand, Morocco’s coach Badou Zaki has contacted him and even promised a call-up for the national team. On the other hand, Danny Blind, coach of the Dutch national team, and the Netherlands U23 setup have also shown serious interest.
Tannane has already had a taste of international football with Morocco’s U23 team, playing a friendly against Senegal in June 2014. However, his name was notably absent from Morocco’s pre-selection list for the match against São Tomé, which seems to have disappointed the Heracles forward, especially after being reassured by Zaki of an upcoming call-up.
“I’m thinking about Morocco, but I’m also thinking about the Netherlands,” Tannane admitted. “I’ve spoken with Badou Zaki, who told me I would be in the squad for the next games. But since then, nothing.”
This lack of follow-through from the Moroccan side could open the door for the Netherlands to secure the promising winger. If the Dutch FA caps him in an official Euro 2016 qualifier, it would lock in his international allegiance to the Oranje.
The situation remains fluid, but one thing is certain: Oussama Tannane’s rising form is accelerating the race for his international commitment, and both federations will need to move decisively if they want to secure his services for the long term.
