MWN Team Of The Week: Hakimi, Brahim Diaz, Hrimat, Igamane

Rabat – Moroccan football fans were treated to a weekend of thrills as Moroccan players in Europe and beyond delivered standout performances.

Munir Kajoui‘s safe hands helped Renaissance Berkane snatch a crucial 3-1 win away against South Africa’s Stellenbosch in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages. The goalkeeper was impressive throughout the game, holding firm and keeping the South Africans quiet when it mattered most.

Achraf Hakimi was a standout performer for PSG in their 1-1 draw with Auxerre. The Moroccan right-back made four tackles and countless runs down the flank to create an attacking overload upfront. Hakimi’s latest routine brilliance with PSG came on the heels of another accolade for the star-right-back, with the sports newspaper Al Montakhab having just crowned the star defender as Morocco’s Player of the Year.

Nayef Aguerd put in yet another commanding display for Real Sociedad in their 3-0 win over Leganés. It was his fourth clean sheet in a row, earning a strong 7.4 match rating.

Hatim Essaouabi kept the Mamelodi Sundowns’ attackers quiet. The FAR Rabat’s centre-back Essaouabi partnered brilliantly with El Hassan Houeibib to silence Mamelodi Sundowns’ attack in their CAF Champions League game. The 23-year-old succeeded in stopping South African internationals such as Iqraam Rayners and Thapelo Morena. He was rated 7.0

Souffian El Karouani continues to ramp up his assists tally. Utrecht’s left-back chalked up his fifth assist of the season in a 3-1 win over Omniworld. El Karouani’s pinpoint delivery set up the opener, raising his season tally to five assists in 15 matches.

Mohamed Rabie Hrimat continues to prove he is well and truly El Botola’s midfield maestro. The 30-year-old was the most accurate passer (98%), won six in seven ground duels, and was deservedly awarded Man of the Match. He was rated 8.5.

Youssef Maleh, Empoli’s central midfielder, delivered a commanding performance in Empoli’s 1-4 win away from home against Belhayyane’s Hellas Verona. In the 32nd minute of the game, the 26-year-old slid a pass to Liberato Cacace to score the third goal for Empoli; he was rated 7.9

Bilal El Khannous‘ creativity kept Leicester in the game during their 2-2 draw against Brighton. EL Khannous played 81 minutes and stood out yet again as a leader and vital playmaker on the pitch despite Leicester’s defensive howlers. He was rated 7.0

Brahim Diaz played the whole game for Real Madrid in their 0-3 win away from home against Girona. The Moroccan playmaker featured on the left wing in a midfield three comprising Jude Bellingham and Arda Guller. The 25-year-old uses his dribbling and acute vision to create chances for his teammates. He was rated 7.0

Eliesse Ben Seghir came off the bench in Monaco’s 2-0 win over Toulouse. The Moroccan flying winger netted two goals and provided an assist in November earning him a Player of the Month nomination.

Hamza Igamane struck a stunning long-range goal in Rangers’ 3-0 win over Ross County. It was his second league goal in just 11 matches, adding to his growing tally across all competitions. Rangers fans are starting to believe they have a star in the making.

Here’s this week’s MWN Team Of The Week (4-3-3):

Munir Kajoui; Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, Hatim Essaouabi, Souffian El Karouani; Mohamed Rabie Hrimat, Youssef Maleh, Bilal al Khannous; Brahim Diaz, Elisse Ben Seghir, Hamza Igamane.