“In Paris there are great players, like here, but with Morocco, I have more importance in the game, I touch the ball more, they give me the importance of being comfortable. At PSG, it’s very different: sometimes you run and you don’t get the ball. Here they are trying to find me, they know how important I can be offensively and defensively. They give me a lot of confidence and I try to give it back.. These words of Achraf Hakimi for brand, a few days ago, appeared as a kind of message passed subtly to his Parisian teammates and his coach at PSG. Because the face displayed by Achraf Hakimi since the start of the World Cup with Morocco is impressive, but not really surprising. Star in his country, the former right side of Real Madrid has a very important role in selection and his performances during CAN 2021 had already illustrated it. He had shone and in particular scored two sublime free kicks, thus illustrating the quality of his right foot.
During this World Cup, Achraf Hakimi continues to be a real part of his group. Even diminished with a thigh injury, he continues to perform XXL, especially defensively. On the offensive level, he is often sought after and manages to make the difference with his explosiveness and his speed. To put it simply, with Morocco, when Achraf Hakimi proposes, it is frequently served and it works rather very well. Since the start of the competition, the game of the Atlas Lions has logically leaned towards him, as since he has been a confirmed star in the club. Freer, more decisive, he seems to have much more responsibility with the red and green tunic. And he also seems to totally enjoy and embrace that status. Evidenced by his lack of cold when making the decisive panenka against Spain which sent Morocco to the quarter-finals.
An impressive level in the defensive sector
But beyond his important role in his team’s game, Achraf Hakimi has also put an end to an old urban legend that has been circulating about him for several years: his inability to play in a four-man defense. Often considered a pure piston, the former Dortmund defender is often described as a bad defender unable to be reliable in a system with 4 defenders. This World Cup proves just the opposite. Since the start of the competition, he is probably the best player in his position. The statistics also illustrate this since he is the defender who has made the most tackles (18), and in the top 10 defenders who have won the most duels since the start of the World Cup. What necessarily also scare his opponents.
“We all know he’s a great full-back. One of the best in his position and he’s a fantastic player. It will be a very good duel. I hope to win it”, also launched Joao Felix in a press conference before the quarter-final this Saturday at 4 p.m. Precisely, against Portugal, Achraf Hakimi will have the opportunity to prove once again that he is the best in his position. He will have work to do against Portugal’s XXL attacking armada who are also hoping to reach the semi-finals of the competition. The PSG player can count on the (very) many Moroccan supporters present on the spot to support him in this essential mission to dream of a historic semi-final for the country and the African continent.
