Rabat – Former Morocco international Karim El Ahmadi believes Ajax youngster Abdellah Ouazane is better suited to playing as an attacking midfielder than a left winger, praising the Moroccan prospect’s technical ability and movement.
Speaking on ESPN’s Dit Was Het Weekend, El Ahmadi discussed Ouazane’s performance after the 17-year-old came off the bench during Ajax’s 2-2 draw against Excelsior on Saturday, September 19.
The former midfielder suggested that Ajax could accommodate two playmakers in their system, naming Julian Brandt and Ouazane as potential options.
“I really liked Ouazane. He was absolutely brilliant,” El Ahmadi said.
He argued that the young Moroccan’s qualities are more apparent when he operates through the middle rather than staying on the left flank.
“I see him more as a playmaker than a left winger, although he can also play on the left,” El Ahmadi explained.
“You saw what he could offer when he finally played centrally.”
El Ahmadi praises Ouazane’s technical qualities
The former Atlas Lions midfielder was particularly impressed by Ouazane’s combination of physical attributes, dribbling ability and movement.
“It has been a long time since I have seen a player with these qualities,” he said.
El Ahmadi pointed to the youngster’s runs behind defenders, ability to accelerate from a standing position and confidence in possession as important elements of his game.
He also suggested that Ouazane could eventually become a regular starter and an influential figure for Ajax, although he noted that the midfielder still needs to learn when to simplify his play.
The Moroccan prospect has made seven Eredivisie appearances this season, scoring once. His latest outing came against Excelsior, when he played the final 13 minutes.
Ouazane receives Ajax award
El Ahmadi’s comments follow another individual achievement for Ouazane.
On September 17, Ajax announced that the midfielder had won the club’s first Goal of the Month award of the season for his strike against Heerenveen in August.
Ouazane received almost half the votes for the goal, which came during a 2-2 draw. He collected the Lasse Schöne Trophy in recognition of the achievement.
The award and his increasing involvement in Ajax’s first team mark further progress for the Moroccan youngster, who is seeking to establish himself at senior level while competing for playing time in the Dutch club’s midfield.
