Rabat – Former Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has highlighted Ismael Saibari’s versatility and tactical intelligence, saying the Bayern Munich midfielder could have excelled at European giants such as Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
Speaking to French sports newspaper L’Équipe, Regragui reflected on the qualities that made Saibari an important player during his time in charge of Morocco.
“I liked highlighting him during video sessions because he sacrifices for the team, through his movement and pressing. He’s a Spanish-style player, with a high football IQ. He would also thrive at Paris Saint-Germain or Barcelona. He always moves into the right area to offer a solution to his teammate.
“I liked playing him as one of the two No. 8s in midfield, or out wide. On the right, with Achraf pushing forward, he can move inside like a No. 10. He also excels on the left,” Regragui told L’Équipe.
Regragui first brought Saibari into the Morocco setup in September 2022, although an injury prevented the midfielder from making the squad for that year’s World Cup in Qatar. He became a regular with the national team the following year.
Saibari has since developed into an important attacking option for Morocco, while his club career has also taken another major step.
The 25-year-old joined Bayern Munich this summer after several seasons with PSV Eindhoven.
Regragui’s comments underline the qualities that have helped Saibari establish himself at both club and international level, particularly his ability to move between midfield and attacking positions while contributing without the ball.
