Toulouse Winger Aboukhlal Eyes World Cup Debut with Morocco

Born in Rotterdam to a Moroccan mother and Libyan father, the TFC winger reflected on his choice to play for Morocco and his wish to be part of Walid Regragui’s list for the World Cup. "Playing for my country is immense," he said, adding: "When I go there, I play with my heart, I want to make the Moroccans proud. As a child, wearing the national team jersey at the World Cup was my dream, and now it’s very close."

However, assures the 22-year-old player, the time is not for haste. Zakaria Aboukhlal says he is first focusing on his club. "Toulouse is my daily life, my priority. The national team will come later," he said.

Recruited last summer to bolster the Toulouse team, promoted to Ligue 1, the Moroccan says he is "satisfied with his start to the season" but claims to "want more. I know I can do better, I work hard. We can’t score in every game, but I try," he said. "TFC is the priority: no question of playing with the handbrake on."

With three goals and one assist in the first 10 league games, the Atlas Lion has managed to establish himself in Philippe Montanier’s collective this season. In Morocco, the striker has already been selected 13 times.