Africa Calling

I just love Morocco. The reigning African champions are so pleasing on the eye it's untrue. Playing with a confidence & swagger that was unimaginable just 10 years ago; the Atlas Lions now look to build on their semi-final showing at the last World Cup.

It's safe to say they gave Brazil a real scare in this one. The record 5-time champions are used to having things their own way; but on this day; it was them who were making the mistakes. I didn't quite like their line-up to be honest. Igor Thiago of Brentford should not be their first-choice striker; and Roger Ibanez & Douglas Santos are nowhere near Cafu & Roberto Carlos at full-back. Also; the fact they are still relying on Casemiro & Fabinho in the middle of the park shows there's not enough good players coming through.

On the other side, Morocco are vibrant and looking good. Achraf Hakimi is the best right-back in the world; and on the other flank; Manchester United's Noussair Mazraoui is not a bad choice either. On the right wing; you have the manacling flair of Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz; of which all good things seem to flow through. But the one that really excites me is 18 year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi in the center of the park. For one so young; he seems so composed and elegant in central midfield; with a good engine to boot. It's no wonder that Manchester United is now keeping tabs on him.