Couhaib Driouech: why Morocco must remain vigilant

While the 22-year-old player has indeed worn the jersey of the Lionceaux of the Atlas during the Africa Cup of Nations for Under-23s last June, he has not yet played an official match with the Moroccan A team. Yet, it is this step that would definitively seal his choice on the international level.

"Couhaib found it an honor to be invited by Jong Oranje and was very happy about it. Now that it turns out that this would constitute a definitive choice, he has decided not to be available," said the player’s agent.

For his part, the coach of the Netherlands team regrets that Couhaib could not join them. "It’s really a shame. But I fully understand that Couhaib wants to make a thoughtful decision about the country he wants to play for. It’s obviously a shame for us that he’s not here. I would have liked to see him in action. And he himself was also enthusiastic about playing for Jong Oranje, on the understanding that he would only make his final choice later. We hope to be able to count on him in March, during the next international period. One thing is certain: we are giving him the necessary time and do not want to put any pressure on him."

Trained at the Heerenveen academy, Driouech joined PSV this summer from Excelsior. Author of two goals and one assist this season, the young winger is still waiting to shine on the European stage. Born in IJmuiden, he won the Africa Cup of Nations for Under-23s with Morocco last June.