Morocco continues to attract talented individuals with dual nationality, the latest being Adam Bakoun, a promising right-back from Italian club Monza, who has chosen to don the jersey of the Moroccan national team for players under 23. Born in Bologna to a Moroccan father and an Italian mother, Bakoun had previously been part of various Italian youth teams. He has been invited to participate in two friendly matches against Mali and Tanzania, marking his first step into Morocco's national team setup.
Adam Bakoun, aged 20, stands out for his impressive physical attributes, being 1.92 meters tall and proficient in playing as a right-back. He is also capable of advancing into the wing and performing offensive roles. This season, Bakoun has started making his presence felt with Monza's first team, having participated in several matches, including three in the league. His choice to join Morocco doesn't necessarily mean an easy path to the senior national team, given the strong competition in the right-back position.
The right-back position in Morocco's national team is highly competitive, with players like Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Zakaria El Wardi, Omar El Hilali, and Ali Maamer, all having varied experiences with the senior team. However, Bakoun's young age and versatility offer him a significant timeframe to develop and gradually assert himself. His inclusion in the Olympic team is part of Morocco's ongoing efforts to attract talented individuals of Moroccan descent from abroad.
Bakoun's addition to the Moroccan under-23 team is in line with the country's strategy to recruit players with international backgrounds. Another example is Kaïs Barry, the son of Ivorian legend Koba Barry, who had previously represented Belgium in the under-19 category. Morocco's approach to tapping into the diaspora for talent aims to strengthen its national teams.
Despite the stiff competition, Bakoun's career trajectory and his decision to represent Morocco are seen as positive developments for the team's future. His participation in the upcoming friendly matches will be closely watched, as it may indicate his potential to contribute to the team in the long term.
Morocco's national teams have historically benefited from including players of dual nationality, enhancing the team's competitiveness on the international stage. The country's football federation has been proactive in identifying and integrating such talents, reflecting a broader strategy to improve football standards in Morocco.
As Bakoun prepares to take the field for his new team, fans and coaches alike will be monitoring his progress closely. His integration into the Moroccan national setup could potentially bring fresh dynamics to the team, contributing to its growth and success in future competitions.
Key points
- Morocco welcomes new talent with dual nationality, Adam Bakoun, into its under-23 national team.
