FIFA World Cup 2022: Why Sofiane Boufal and Hakim Ziyech have been vital for Walid Regragui’s Morocco – tactical analysis

Walid Regragui possesses two of the most distinct wingers in this generation. Sofiane Boufal, who has been playing for Angers in France for over three years, will face France in Moroccos first World Cup semi-final. Hakim Ziyech of Chelsea, on the other hand, can produce dangerous balls inside the box as well as switch plays at any given position.

Both players are skilled at using the large space to cut in and be a threat. This was one of the main events they had been looking forward to playing together for years. The midfield and attack seemed to be settling in well with the Fiorentina star, Sofyan Amrabat, and the 22-year-old Azzedine Ounahi.

In a tournament like this, a team like Morocco needs the best flank outlets for a counter-attacking squad. In a significant competition, both players supplied the dynamism Regragui had been longing for. In this tactical analysis in the form of a scout report, well look at how the wingers contributed to Moroccos triumph in Qatar.

Ziyech’s flair

Ziyech is renowned for his incredible talent at curling into deadly balls while making it seem effortless. His left foot is regarded as one of the greatest in the world, and he has shown his abilities at Chelsea and Ajax in recent years. Regragui has supported him like no other, giving him a place in the squad no matter what, even if he hasnt felt as at home in England as he did at Ajax.

Here is his touch map from the beginning of the competition to the World Cup semifinal, when he will play France. He drives up front while dropping deep to assist his teammates in the progression of the play. This helps the tactics Regragui had been using and is comfortable with.

He takes up space on the right side of the field, somewhat like Lionel Messi, to draw people out of position and provide room for others to go into a better one. He often serves as a provider, which enables the Moroccans to find room. The Ajax supporters have been reminded of their experiences in the Netherlands by his ease on his preferred right side.

The touch map just shows Ziyechs desire to become more involved in the penalty area. Regraguis expectations for the winger are evident from the fact that he has only received 20 touches inside the penalty area. His crosses have changed the course of the game for Morocco, posing a danger by having only one man produce an important pass while the rest go for a header.