Morocco’s Walid Regragui: AFCON Leader Brahim Díaz Could Be World’s Best

Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui has praised Brahim Díaz, stating that the Real Madrid forward “can be the best player in the world.” This statement follows Díaz’s remarkable performance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he scored in five consecutive matches, making history.

AFCON Quarterfinals: Morocco vs. Cameroon

In the recent quarterfinal clash held in Rabat, Morocco eliminated Cameroon with a 2-0 victory. Díaz opened the scoring in the 26th minute, setting the tone for the match. Ismael Saibari added a second goal in the 74th minute, securing Morocco’s place in the semifinals for the first time in 22 years.

Díaz’s Impressive Record

• Díaz is the first player in history to score in five consecutive AFCON matches.
• He has scored in all of Morocco’s fixtures during this tournament.
• His goals have been critical, breaking the deadlock in four of the five matches.

Morocco’s journey began with a 2-0 win over Comoros. This was followed by a 1-1 draw against Mali and a narrow 1-0 victory over Tanzania in the Last 16, where Díaz’s performance helped propel the team forward.

Coach’s Confidence in Díaz

Regragui emphasized Díaz’s mental transformation, noting his increased work rate and team spirit. “It’s vital for the team to see their best player contributing in this way,” he remarked. The coach believes Díaz is on a path to greatness if he maintains his focus and effort.

Díaz’s Performance at Club Level

While his national team form has been stellar, Díaz’s club career at Real Madrid has been less prominent. He has only managed to start three league matches this season and has scored just once in 17 appearances. However, his recent national team performances showcase his potential.

Background on Brahim Díaz

• Brahim Díaz was born in Málaga, Spain, to a Moroccan father and a Spanish mother.
• He played for Spain’s national team in 2021 before switching allegiance to Morocco.
• Since his debut for Morocco, he has emerged as a significant attacking threat.

Looking Ahead

Morocco now prepares for its semifinal match on Wednesday, marking their first appearance at this stage since 2004. Another goal from Díaz could see him equal the record for scoring in six consecutive AFCON matches, a feat last achieved by Ghana’s Kofi Osei.

As Morocco aims for its first Nations Cup in fifty years, Díaz’s performance remains crucial. With five goals already, he leads the tournament’s scoring charts, though he trails behind Ndaye Mulamba’s all-time record of nine goals set in 1974.