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Join on Telegram Coach Tarik Sektioui is still ironing out the final details of his squad to represent Morocco at the upcoming (December 1-18) Arab Cup, and Hakim Ziyech has been constantly mentioned as one of the veteran names in contention for a spot in the team. At 32, the playmaker has just signed for Wydad Casablanca after being without a club for months. And with him out of competitive football for a pretty long period, his possible re-entry into the national team is causing both interest and a whole lot of speculation about whether he’s ready.
Sektioui’s strategy for getting the Morocco A side to the Arab Cup seems to be about mixing in some home-grown talent with some more experienced players who can step up to the plate in a big tournament. And the Ziyech option makes sense: he’s got a lot of experience at top clubs and in major international tournaments, which could be a real asset. But the question is whether he’ll still have the legs for it, given how long he’s been out of action.
It’s still up in the air whether he’ll make the final cut or whether he’ll be held in reserve until he can prove his fitness.
Why Ziyech is under consideration
The fact that Ziyech signed with Wydad in October has sorted out his club situation once and for all after he’d gone a long time without playing following his departure from Al Duhail in Qatar.
And apparently he came back to Morocco to get his form back on track and get back into the conversation for the national team. For Sektioui, Ziyech might be viewed as a maverick playmaker who could bring some real bonus to the A team and show the younger players the ropes and help in big matches.
But of course there are a few hurdles in the way. For one thing, Ziyech’s match fitness is in doubt at the moment. Still, Sektioui’s recent call-ups have shown a preference for players who play in Morocco.
If Ziyech does get selected, it’s likely he’ll be a squad player, but not a definitive starter or even the team’s beating heart in the creative department.
The timing of the decision is critical and with the squad announcement just around the corner, all Ziyech’s months out of the game are weighing heavily against him.
Morocco fans will be watching intently to see whether Sektioui takes the plunge on the veteran playmaker or goes with the younger players who are really on form. Either way, if he does get the call he can expect a lot of attention on the Morocco A team leading up to the Arab Cup.
