Former England coach Fabio Capello has described Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat as the key player for the Atlas Lions due to his work rate. Amrabat has been the midfield anchorman for Morocco in their run to a historic World Cup semi-final and the former Real Madrid and Juventus coach has lavished praise on the Fiorentina star, comparing him with combative former Italy midfielder Gennaro Gatusso. “I like Morocco because they give the impression of being a close-knit team,” Capello told Il Messaggero as quoted by Voetbal.“They are alert in defence and quick in attack. Under the new national [team] coach Walid Regragui, they only conceded one goal and have not lost yet. Several factors indicate that you have to take this team seriously.””If I have to name one name, besides the well-known Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi, it would be Amrabat. He is essential for balance and a great runner. I read that he covered more than fourteen kilometres against Spain. I see him as the Gennaro Gattuso of Morocco.”Barring a late injury, Amrabat will slot in at central midfield again, as Morocco seek to add defending champions France to their list of casualties in Wednesday’s semi-final.
credit : Goal
