Former Morocco international Mustapha Hadji has delivered a series of blunt statements, placing PSG full-back Achraf Hakimi and Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bono above all other Moroccan players, and criticising midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.
In a series of statements relayed by Kooora and Sportsseier, former Morocco international Mustapha Hadji gives his verdict on several figures of African and Moroccan football. From Mohamed Salah to Sofyan Amrabat, via Achraf Hakimi and Yassine Bono, his judgments are uncompromising.
He states that Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool and Egypt forward, is bigger than coach Hossam Hassan and bigger than the history of Egyptian football itself. Hadji also names George Weah as the greatest player in the history of African football, thanks to his Ballon d’Or.
Hakimi and Bono, Morocco’s summit
Hadji states that Hakimi and Bono are the two greatest players in Morocco’s history, far ahead of all the others. A clear stance in favour of the PSG full-back and the Al-Hilal goalkeeper, which pushes the other Morocco internationals into the background.
For the former international, the two men sit at the top of the hierarchy of Moroccan football. Hakimi plays for PSG and Bono for Al-Hilal, two clubs that are not Moroccan.
Amrabat, criticised over his stance
Hadji criticises midfielder Sofyan Amrabat over his position towards Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi. According to him, Amrabat is no bigger than the Morocco national team and simply has to play and keep quiet.
For the former international, no player can place himself above the national team, with the national team having to come before individuals.
Diaz, AFCON and Egypt
Hadji advises Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz to leave the club for Al-Ittihad, in Saudi Arabia, if he wants to preserve his chances with Morocco. It is a recommendation, not information about a transfer.
On AFCON, Hadji says he is in favour of a tournament every two years. He also explains that Morocco often disappoints at the Africa Cup of Nations but shines at the World Cup. Finally, he ranks Egypt fifth in Africa, comparing them to Germany.