Achraf Hakimi and Morocco seek another memorable World Cup run

Achraf Hakimi is arguably the best right back in the world and can play as a two-way force. Over the years, he’s gained experience, composure, and has now become one of the leaders for both club and country.

Hakimi is part of a golden generation for Morocco. He leads a team that can hold their own against even the best teams in the world. They are tactically flexible. They like to play patient, methodical football against most teams, but are capable of sitting in a low block when needed. They boast a strong defense, and against bigger teams, they stay compact while relying on transition football.

Hakimi is a terrific passer and creator from the back. He is is one of the fastest wingbacks in Europe, which allows him to track back and hunt players down even when he’s caught out in an attacking position.

He links up with his attackers in ways that make it almost impossible for opposing players to track.

Last season, data from Soccerment revealed Hakimi led all of Europe in one-twos opened per 90. He initiates attacks like few can from his position. One second he’s simply collecting the ball from his defensive partner or goalkeeper, the next he’s in behind the back line creating an attacking opportunity.

Morocco famously knocked Spain out in 2022 during the round-of-16 by deploying a 4-1-4-1 low block, allowing Spain to have over 70% possession without really being threatened. Spain looked slow and out of ideas, while Morocco held them to just one shot on target over the first 90 minutes before ultimately winning on penalties. Morocco’s ball-winning midfield from Sofyan Amrabat and pressing from Azzedine Ounah and Hakim Ziyech underlined a monumental result. Hakimi was vital defending 1-v-1 while providing support in transition.

Four years on, those principles remain, which is what makes Morocco a dark horse for this upcoming tournament, and since 2022, they’ve added Brahim Diaz—a hardworking, line-breaking winger who switched his allegiance from Spain to Morocco.

Morocco are fresh off winning the Africa Cup of Nations in the most bizarre way possible. Despite Senegal originally winning the final, a Confederation of African Football ruling months later declared Morocco champions. Though their showing in the final was poor, they were dominant for the majority of the tournament and will look to continue that momentum into this summer.

Morocco are projected to finish second in their group behind Brazil, though don’t be shocked if they find a way to win the group. They are tactically disciplined, talented and Brazil is not as strong as they used to be.

The only question mark heading into the tournament is Hakimi’s fitness. The right back suffered an injury in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals against Bayern Munich. As long as he makes a full recovery, expect the Paris Saint-Germain star to dazzle once again.

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