World Cup Star Ounahi Struggles to Find Form at Marseille

Azzedine Ounahi, one of the architects of Spain’s elimination in the round of 16 in Qatar, had amazed Luis Enrique. "I was pleasantly surprised by number 8, I can’t remember his name, where does this boy come from? He plays very well," the Spanish coach had said about the 23-year-old Moroccan player.

Before the World Cup in Qatar, Ounahi played for Angers in Ligue 1 in France. Highly sought after by several major European clubs after his good performance during the World Cup, he finally joined Olympique de Marseille in the winter transfer window for 8 million euros.

But nearly a year after his transfer to Marseille, Ounahi is still struggling to impose himself. The number 8 has not had much playing time, especially after breaking a toe at the end of the 2022-2023 season. Before his injury, he had played 9 matches. The young player had nevertheless made a promising start at Marseille. He had scored a goal in his first match against Stade de Reims (2-1), recalls AS.

Ounahi was not in Marcelino’s plans, and does not seem to have convinced Gennaro Gattuso that he deserves a place in the team. Out of the 16 matches played, he has only played one from start to finish. On the other hand, the Moroccan international continues to reveal his talent with the Atlas Lions. Under Walid Regragui, he regains his great form and shines as he did during the World Cup in Qatar.