Morocco's Azzedine Ounahi is ready for better challenges after his World Cup breakthrough
Azzedine Ounahi, one of the tournament's surprises, has been instrumental in Morocco's progress to the World Cup quarterfinals, persistently asserting his dominance over the midfield.
Despite goalkeeper Yassine Bounou's amazing penalty-saving performance in the round of 16, it was Ounahi who attracted Luis Enrique's attention after Spain's team's shootout loss to Morocco.
"I was surprised by (Ounahi). My goodness, where does that boy come from?" asked Luis Enrique, in awe of the midfielder's "spectacular" display.
"He plays like the Spanish players. He plays really well. I was very surprised. He hasn't stopped running, he must be exhausted,"
Only 18 months ago, Ounahi was working away in the French third division, using that experience to prepare his athletic body for the challenges of the professional game.
Four members of the Moroccan team, including Ounahi, are graduates of the Mohammed VI Academy in Sale, a cutting-edge building built in 2009 with the aim of nurturing the youthful talent of the nation.
The Atlas Lions' achievement in Qatar has demonstrated that Morocco's significant investment in its soccer infrastructure following multiple unsuccessful World Cup bids has paid dividends.
Ounahi will play in Morocco's final game in the tournament against Croatia on Saturday 16th of December at the Khalifa International Stadium.
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