RC Lens Midfielder Neil El Aynaoui Opts to Represent Morocco Over France

Neil has finally decided: he has chosen to represent the Moroccan national team, the country of his father, tennis legend Younes El Aynaoui, various media sources reveal, specifying that this decision was made after the 22-year-old player told the Atlas Lions coach that he would need time to think. He was wondering whether he would play for the Moroccan team or wait for a call-up from the French under-23 team. But the wait was long. "In the end, he remains a player who interests us and he must make a decision, and if he does not, we will make it in his place, we will not wait long," Walid Regragui had warned during the pre-match press conference against Mauritania.

Arrived at RC Lens from Nancy this summer for €500,000, Neil is seducing with his talent. He has established himself in the eyes of his coach Franck Haise as a credible alternative to Salis Abdul Samed, Nampalys Mendy and many other club players. In six months, he has gone from substitute to starter. He has even taken his first steps in the Champions League.