Neil El Aynaoui Morocco World Cup Star Statistics

Morocco won against Scotland thanks to Ismaël Saibari, once again a goalscorer and inevitably highlighted after the match. Achraf Hakimi also confirmed his weight in the Lions of the Atlas’ game. But Opta statistics provide a more unexpected reading of the match: the best Moroccan was not the goalscorer, nor the captain, but Neil El Aynaoui.

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The midfielder finished the match against Scotland with the best Moroccan rating, 8.90, ahead of Achraf Hakimi (8.12) and Ismaël Saibari (7.80). A ranking explained by his enormous activity in midfield: 80 passes, 6 tackles, one shot and constant presence to stabilize the Moroccan block. Less spectacular than a goal or an assist, his match nevertheless weighed heavily in the Lions’ control.

It’s not an accident. Against Brazil, Neil El Aynaoui had already been one of the best Moroccans according to Opta, with a rating of 7.96, only surpassed by Hakimi, credited with 8.42. Over Morocco’s first two matches, his average exceeds that of all other Moroccan leaders. He even surpasses Hakimi over both matches, despite much more discreet media exposure.

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This data tells another story of Morocco’s World Cup start. Morocco shines through its offensive individuals, but its balance also rests on a player who works in the shadows. El Aynaoui doesn’t always get the stands on their feet, but the figures already place him as one of the true bosses of the Lions of the Atlas.