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Rabat – The CIES Football Observatory has ranked Neil El Aynaoui and Ayyoub Bouaddi among the best midfielders in the tournament at keeping possession while under heavy pressure from opponents.
El Aynaoui finished fourth in the rankings with an impressive 87.2% ball-retention rate under pressure. Only Portugal’s Vitinha (95.0%), Spain’s Rodri (92.6%), and Switzerland’s Granit Xhaka (87.6%) ranked higher.
Bouaddi also earned a place among the world’s best. The young Moroccan midfielder recorded an 85.5% retention rate, confirming his growing recognition on the global stage.
What’s the ranking about?
The rankings measure a midfielder’s ability to protect the ball and keep possession when closely pressed by opponents. It is considered one of the key indicators of a player’s composure, decision-making, and ability to control the rhythm of a match.
Morocco’s double presence near the top of the list reflects the team’s tactical development during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Atlas Lions have shown they are no longer relying only on defensive organization. Instead, they have built a team capable of controlling possession and competing with the strongest midfields in the tournament.
The rest of the top group includes Colombia’s Jefferson Lerma and Gustavo Puerta, Switzerland’s Remo Freuler, Mexico’s Erik Lira, and Canada’s Stephen Eustáquio.
The CIES data also highlights a wider trend at the World Cup. Teams that progress deep into the competition often rely on midfielders who can stay calm under pressure, protect the ball, and help both in attack and defense.
