Ruben Amorim would rather have the AFCON-bound players available for selection, but the next best-case is them flourishing for their countries, which is happening now.
Noussair Mazraoui kicked off AFCON in style with a sparkling performance, before Amad and Bryan Mbeumo won MOTM awards in their tournament opener.
Since then, Amad has continued his hot streak, at Mbeumo’s expense no less, and now, Mazraoui can be added to the list of star performers.
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More importantly for Ruben Amorim, he did so in a new position that adds to the Man Utd manager’s options when he returns to Carrington.
Photo by Torbjorn Tande/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty ImagesNoussair Mazraoui shines for Morocco in new role
Mazraoui has been the embodiment of a Swiss army knife at Old Trafford, playing as many as five positions during his time at the club.
However, his role is more settled for Morocco, where he generally competes with Achraf Hakimi for the right-back spot.
However, in Morocco’s latest game against Zambia, a 3-0 win, Mazraoui did his best impression of a creative left-back.
He played 64 minutes, but was at his technical best, as he finished the game with 60 touches and a remarkable 11 passes into the final third.
With a passing accuracy of 89% (34/38), four defensive contributions, and winning 8/9 duels, Mazraoui displayed the perfect all-round performance. (stats courtesy Fotmob)
He didn’t directly play a hand by scoring or assisting any goal, but it’s not a coincidence that the assist for all three goals came from his side.
Mazraoui adds to Ruben Amorim’s options
Considering Amorim had played Mazraoui on the left long before Morocco did it, he wouldn’t be particularly surprised that he shone.
However, this bodes well now that Amorim is pondering a system change, because suddenly, Mazraoui no longer has to choose between playing as the wide centre-back or a wing-back.
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His excellence as a traditional full-back, that, too, on either wing, will make him a crucial player for Amorim as he tinkers with his system.
His ball circulation and progressive passing will become a bigger asset as a full-back, where the athletic demands from him won’t be as high as they are for a wing-back.
All of a sudden, Mazraoui becomes an option for six positions in defence – left-back, right-back, left wing-back, right wing-back, left centre-back, and right centre-back.
A player of that kind is worth his weight in gold in today’s intensely tactical game.
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