The German press is taking a realistic approach to Sufiyan Amrabat's chances of forcing his way into Morocco's starting lineup under coach Mehdi Faria, considering that the Schalke midfielder has the qualities that earned him his first call-up to the Atlas Lions. However, the strong competition in midfield makes it difficult for him to secure a starting spot at the moment.
According to the German newspaper "De Ruisten", Amrabat described his call-up to the Moroccan national team as "a matter that touches the heart", highlighting the importance of this invitation for the 24-year-old midfielder, which came after a strong season with Schalke in the German second division. Nevertheless, his international debut did not meet expectations, as he played only a few minutes in Morocco's first two matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Gabon and Lesotho.
So far, Amrabat has played only a few minutes with the Atlas Lions, with six minutes against Lesotho and no participation against Gabon. The German press believes that this situation may not change quickly, not due to any reservations about Amrabat's level, but because of the strong competition he faces within the Moroccan squad. Names like Nayef Aguerd, a Leipzig player, who started against Gabon and Lesotho and has a market value of around 30 million euros, are ahead of him.
Other options for Mehdi Faria in midfield include high-profile names like Youssouf En-Nesyri is not a midfielder; Ayoub Bouaddi, a Manchester City player valued at around 95 million euros, and Soufiane Chakla is not known but Omar Trargui, a Feyenoord player and a regular starter for his club. These factors make Amrabat more likely to be a substitute in Morocco's official matches, despite his performances with Schalke.
However, the door is not closed for Amrabat, as his situation could change if he continues to excel with Schalke after his promotion to the Bundesliga. Maintaining a strong level in the top division will give him a greater chance to convince Faria of his ability to compete for a starting spot.
The upcoming friendly match against Mali on October 4 may provide Amrabat with an opportunity to showcase his abilities and prove that he can go beyond a substitute role. The friendly match seems like an ideal occasion to give some players who have not had many minutes a chance to participate, which could open the door for Amrabat to present himself to Faria and demonstrate his capabilities.
In conclusion, while the competition for a starting spot in Morocco's midfield is fierce, Amrabat's call-up to the national team and his performances with Schalke demonstrate his potential. As the team prepares for the upcoming friendly match against Mali, Amrabat will look to make a strong impression and increase his chances of securing a more prominent role in the team.
Key points
- Sufiyan Amrabat faces strong competition for a starting spot in Morocco's midfield.
