Morocco have lots of talent in the team but the majestic grandeur of Sofyan Amrabat at the World Cup has been quite exceptional as many already labeled him one of the best midfielders of the tournament.
The 26-year old is a defensive midfielder but has made his presence felt all over Morocco's half of the pitch in five matches so far, running relentlessly in pursuit of the ball in every minute his side have played.
His touches, ball recoveries and winning duels and possession over the opponents made him a standout player in the World Cup, and more explicitly, his incredible performance in the last two knockout games took the world by surprise.
Amrabat made life extremely difficult for Spain's midfield comprising Sergio Busquets, Gavi and Pedri in the Round of 16 clash with 49 touches, nine ball recoveries, seven out of seven ground duels won, six possessions won in final third, four out of four tackles executed successfully, one interception and one clearance, according to data provided by Squawka.
The numbers against a high-flying Portugal in the quarter-final was even more impressive in terms of his role in attacking half as he made two final-third entries, and created a chance, recovered the ball on eight occasions, put in three tackles and as many clearances while winning three duels.
The Fiorentina midfielder's solid presence in front of the back-four had also ensured two clean-sheets against Belgium and Croatia earlier in the group stage.
According to Opta, Amrabat has made a total of 41 recoveries, the most for any outfield player in Qatar.
He has also won possession more times than any other player at the 2022 World Cup, following in the footsteps of Croatia's Luka Modric in 2018.
“What a player! Very good and plays with so much confidence. He's been the main player for Morocco,” Abahani's Portuguese coach Mario Lemos told Dhaka Tribune.
“His specialty is tactical awareness, giving balance to the team and quality on the ball.”
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Danish-born Bangladesh football team captain Jamal Bhuiyan also plays in defensive midfield.
He too was astonished by the outstanding performance of Amrabat.
“He is the best midfielder in this World Cup. He is playing in a vital position for Morocco because he blocked attacks, made interceptions, also very energetic and aggressive player,” Jamal told Dhaka Tribune.
“It's very surprising but he has been brilliant. He's given energy to the whole team because he runs non-stop. He has the same energy like (Fede) Valverde has for Real Madrid. He never gives up. This kind of attitude is very important for Morocco.
“The way he is playing, descending and even attacking sometimes is unbelievable. He is having the best times of his life.”
Twitter was also filled with Amrabat praises as Fox Sports commentator Rodolfo Landeros wrote, “What a player. 90 minutes and was running as if the game had just started.”
AFP sports journalist Rayane Moussallem wrote, “Whatever happens with Morocco, Amrabat should be in the best XI of the tournament. This guy is so good to watch; also he might have three lungs. What a performance during this World Cup.”
Amrabat was born in the Netherlands and played youth football there.
He had the opportunity to play for the Dutch but he chose Morocco and started representing the Atlas Lions at the U-17 World Cup in 2013.
Perhaps his biggest test will come against defending champions France in the semi-finals, but he has already enhanced his reputation a great deal, as evidenced by Liverpool showing their interest in signing Morocco's midfield engine.