Benatia: Morocco's Success is the Fruit of an Integrated Project.. and Hakimi is One of the Greatest Full-backs
The former Moroccan international Mehdi Benatia affirmed that the surge experienced by the Moroccan national team in recent years is not a coincidence, but rather the result of a long-term vision and a comprehensive project based on training and preparing players according to professional foundations from an early age.
In an interview with the Italian newspaper "La Gazzetta dello Sport," Benatia explained that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation played a key role in building this project, along with the significant contribution of the Mohammed VI Football Academy, which he considered the cornerstone in creating a generation capable of competing at the highest levels.
Benatia stated that Morocco has a talented generation, but the key difference lies in having a comprehensive system focused on player development. He pointed out that the Mohammed VI Academy has been a real turning point due to its global infrastructure, as its role is not limited to honing technical skills but also extends to building the player's character and preparing them for professional life.
The former captain of the "Atlas Lions" pointed out that the academy was behind the emergence of prominent names in Moroccan football, including Azzedine Ounahi, Nayef Aguerd, and Youssef En-Nesyri. He affirmed that Moroccan talents continue to flow, citing Ayoub Bouaddi, whom he described as a major project, and the young defender Abdellah Ait Boudlal as examples.
Benatia emphasized that the Moroccan national team is distinguished by having players who combine technical quality with tactical discipline. However, he considered that improving offensive effectiveness in front of the goal remains one of the key areas that need enhancement, especially in major matches that may be decided by small details and missed opportunities.
When speaking about Achraf Hakimi, Benatia did not hide his great admiration for the capabilities of the Moroccan national team star, considering him to be among the best right-backs in the history of football, given the offensive statistics he achieves, which he believes surpass those of major stars in this position, such as Cafu and Maicon.
He also touched on the situation of Brahim Diaz, noting that the player is not going through his best period at the moment, but he still possesses exceptional abilities, whether through his decisive passes or his ability to change the pace of matches and make a difference.
Regarding the depth of the Moroccan national team roster, Benatia explained that the difference between starters and substitutes is natural in all teams. However, he emphasized that the reserve players are capable of providing the needed contribution whenever they get the chance to participate.
Benatia specifically praised Ayoub Bouaddi's performance, describing him as an exceptional player with maturity beyond his years. He predicted that his market value could reach 100 million euros, ruling out a move to the Italian league due to his high financial value.
He also expressed his astonishment at the limited participation of Nayel Al Ainawi with Roma, revealing that he tried to sign him when he held an administrative position at Olympique Marseille, but financial demands prevented the deal from being completed.
Regarding the ambitions of the "Atlas Lions" in the 2026 World Cup, Benatia expressed his confidence in the Moroccan team's ability to go far in the tournament and achieve a new accomplishment, emphasizing that football is often decided by small details and nuances.
In another context, Benatia criticized the expanded World Cup system, considering that the increase in the number of matches affects the value of some encounters. He also called for bringing the game closer to the fans by reviewing ticket prices, which he described as high.
Benatia concluded his statements by expressing his confidence in the ability of Juventus' new management to restore the team to its natural position, praising the expertise of both Giorgio Chiellini and Giovanni Carnevali, which are capable of leading the next phase.
In an interview with the Italian newspaper "La Gazzetta dello Sport," Benatia explained that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation played a key role in building this project, along with the significant contribution of the Mohammed VI Football Academy, which he considered the cornerstone in creating a generation capable of competing at the highest levels.
Benatia stated that Morocco has a talented generation, but the key difference lies in having a comprehensive system focused on player development. He pointed out that the Mohammed VI Academy has been a real turning point due to its global infrastructure, as its role is not limited to honing technical skills but also extends to building the player's character and preparing them for professional life.
The former captain of the "Atlas Lions" pointed out that the academy was behind the emergence of prominent names in Moroccan football, including Azzedine Ounahi, Nayef Aguerd, and Youssef En-Nesyri. He affirmed that Moroccan talents continue to flow, citing Ayoub Bouaddi, whom he described as a major project, and the young defender Abdellah Ait Boudlal as examples.
Benatia emphasized that the Moroccan national team is distinguished by having players who combine technical quality with tactical discipline. However, he considered that improving offensive effectiveness in front of the goal remains one of the key areas that need enhancement, especially in major matches that may be decided by small details and missed opportunities.
When speaking about Achraf Hakimi, Benatia did not hide his great admiration for the capabilities of the Moroccan national team star, considering him to be among the best right-backs in the history of football, given the offensive statistics he achieves, which he believes surpass those of major stars in this position, such as Cafu and Maicon.
He also touched on the situation of Brahim Diaz, noting that the player is not going through his best period at the moment, but he still possesses exceptional abilities, whether through his decisive passes or his ability to change the pace of matches and make a difference.
Regarding the depth of the Moroccan national team roster, Benatia explained that the difference between starters and substitutes is natural in all teams. However, he emphasized that the reserve players are capable of providing the needed contribution whenever they get the chance to participate.
Benatia specifically praised Ayoub Bouaddi's performance, describing him as an exceptional player with maturity beyond his years. He predicted that his market value could reach 100 million euros, ruling out a move to the Italian league due to his high financial value.
He also expressed his astonishment at the limited participation of Nayel Al Ainawi with Roma, revealing that he tried to sign him when he held an administrative position at Olympique Marseille, but financial demands prevented the deal from being completed.
Regarding the ambitions of the "Atlas Lions" in the 2026 World Cup, Benatia expressed his confidence in the Moroccan team's ability to go far in the tournament and achieve a new accomplishment, emphasizing that football is often decided by small details and nuances.
In another context, Benatia criticized the expanded World Cup system, considering that the increase in the number of matches affects the value of some encounters. He also called for bringing the game closer to the fans by reviewing ticket prices, which he described as high.
Benatia concluded his statements by expressing his confidence in the ability of Juventus' new management to restore the team to its natural position, praising the expertise of both Giorgio Chiellini and Giovanni Carnevali, which are capable of leading the next phase.
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