The next squad of Moroccan coach Walid Regragui could feature some changes and new faces, along with several adjustments in the starting lineup.
There is talk of particular interest in Mohamed Ali Cho, for example, or the full-back Omar El Hilali, among others, who could join the den for the March gathering. Moreover, the starting lineup itself could undergo some changes, with the decline in form of certain Lions, such as Abde Ezzalzouli and Eliesse Ben Seghir, who will likely still be part of the squad but should start on the bench, making way for other players in better form.
One player to consider is Rahim, who could play on the wing in a front trio alongside En Nesyri or El Kaabi, both in great form, and Brahim Diaz, who, despite limited playing time with Real Madrid, is also in form that makes him indispensable. All under the guidance of the in-form creative player, Bilal El Khannous, who took some time to find his rhythm at Leicester but has since become their key player…
Where debate could arise is in the midfield behind El Khannous. While Amrabat, despite his somewhat tricky period, remains a crucial player in recovery, who should partner with him? Ounahi, Saibari, Targhaline, Belahyane, Rihcradson, or Bouchouari?
Based on current form, Bouchouari and Belahyane are clearly ahead of the others, although Saibari is undoubtedly the most in-form player, but less accustomed to the position. A dilemma faces Regragui, who could, for simplicity’s sake, opt for Ounahi, his trusted man.
In defense, things are both simpler and more complex… While it seems settled that the Hakimi-Mazraoui full-back pairing will be retained, even though Annour will be getting more playing time ahead of the next gathering and could push for some minutes with the Lions, the complications arise in central defense. If Aguerd has become a standout player with a remarkable season in La Liga, the trickiest question remains: who will partner with him?
Harkass? Abdelhamid? Saiss? Riad? Abqar?
The first player has had his chance and didn’t disappoint, but can he claim to be a starter? The second player seems to have lost almost all hope after losing his place at Saint-Étienne and, due to his age, no longer represents the future. As for Saiss, although his name often comes up, particularly due to the deficiencies in the central defense, it seems unlikely he will return, at least in the short term… Chadi Riad, who was supposed to be the other pillar of this defense alongside Aguerd, has unfortunately been injured again and won’t be part of the March squad. Let’s hope he recovers before the AFCON to partner with Nayef Aguerd, with whom he could form a duo in the national team.
And finally, the goalkeeper position should remain in the hands of the unshakable Yacine Bounou, who shines in the Saudi Pro League. Even though his primary backup has always performed well when called upon, Bounou remains THE undisputed leader of the goal and should be there in March and, of course, during the AFCON, inshAllah… There are still some spots up for grabs, but they will be hard-earned, and the competition is bound to intensify within the already established Lions squad, as well as with the new faces who could emerge.
