This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
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In preparation for the CAN 2025 at home, Morocco is refining its settings. Faced with Tunisia, Walid Regragui could test Osama El Azzouzi in a new defensive role, an option deemed useful in a context of expanding solutions.
Morocco is continuing its rise in regime for the next African Cup of Nations. Host country of the 2025 edition, the selection led by Walid Regragui will play two preparation games during the next international truce, against Benin and then Tunisia. In this context, the coach plans to assess new profiles, including a defensive experiment around Osama El Azzouzi.
Experiment planned for El Azzouzi in Defense
According to Al Mountakhab, Walid Regragui plans to align Osama El Azzouzi in central defense, a new position for the player formed as a defensive midfielder. The Moroccan technician, anxious to expand his range of solutions, wishes to assess the capacity of the Bologna player to evolve in a back line, in particular to deal with the tactical requirements of a long competition like the CAN.
Playing time limited to Bologna this season
At 23, El Azzouzi comes out of a modest season on an individual level. The midfielder only participated in three games with Bologna during the 2024-2025 exercise, for a very limited playing time. Despite this low assessment, Regragui seems to appreciate his versatile profile and plans to offer him playing time to assess it in a position different from that which he usually occupies.
First discreet steps with the Atlas Lions
Since his change in sports nationality in 2023, Osama El Azzouzi has played five games with the Atlas Lions. He has not yet had the opportunity to distinguish himself strikingly, but remains in the plans of the technical staff, which continues to follow his evolution. This repositioning could constitute an opportunity for him to gain importance in the group’s hierarchy.
