Soufiane El Karouani responds on the pitch to Walid Regragui’s non-selection

The Atlas Lion particularly stood out in set pieces. He first provided the opening goal just before half-time (45+1’) on a perfectly executed corner, powerfully headed in by his teammate Matisse Didden.

At the start of the second half, El Karouani repeated the feat. From a lateral free kick, he delivered another precise cross that Sébastien Haller converted with a header (54th) for Utrecht’s second goal. Despite Ajax’s reduction of the score by Mika Godts (56th), the home team managed to preserve their advantage.

Top assist provider in the league

Soufiane El Karouani was a constant threat to the opposing defense, thanks to his technical precision and high pace. His performance allows him to consolidate his status in the Eredivisie.

With these two new assists, the Moroccan defender brings his total to eight assists, making him the current top assist provider in the Dutch championship. Also the author of two goals this season, he has established himself as one of the key elements in coach Ron Jans’ tactical setup.