Neil El Aynaoui continues to gain visibility with the Atlas Lions during this 2026 World Cup. With solid performances for Morocco, the midfielder confirms his importance in the national midfield, while his club situation still raises questions in Italy.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Medhi Benatia was asked about the current state of the Moroccan national team and several players who are making an impact on the Atlas Lions’ journey. The former captain of Morocco, who notably played for Juventus and has transitioned into a sports management role, specifically mentioned Neil El Aynaoui.
Benatia did not hide his admiration for the Moroccan midfielder. “He is very strong because he combines quality and quantity,” he stated to the Italian media. This appreciation aptly summarizes the profile of the 24-year-old player, who is capable of bringing impact, balance, and precision to the heart of the game.
The former Moroccan defender also expressed surprise at El Aynaoui’s limited playing time at Roma. “I did not understand why he played less than I expected in Rome,” he added. This statement aligns with the questions surrounding the player’s club situation, as his performances with the Atlas Lions confirm his potential at the highest level.
Benatia also revealed that he had previously tried to recruit him when he was working at Marseille. “I had tried to bring him to my Marseille, but he was too expensive,” he explained. This admission shows that El Aynaoui’s profile was already highly valued by the former Moroccan international.
With Morocco, Neil El Aynaoui seems to be using the 2026 World Cup to strengthen his status. His work rate, ability to repeat efforts, and maturity in high-stakes matches provide a valuable solution in the midfield for the Atlas Lions.
As the knockout phase approaches, his role could become even more significant. The Atlas Lions will need players capable of meeting the intensity of big matches, and El Aynaoui now appears to be one of the most closely watched profiles in the Moroccan squad.
Beyond the World Cup, this exposure could also impact his future at the club level.
