Morocco's World Cup 2018 Player Ratings

In their first World Cup in 20 years, Morocco were left thinking 'what could have been' after some dominant performances were mostly left with little to show for. 

Against Iran, The Atlas Lions were superior in the opening 20 minutes but couldn't break the deadlock, which would prove costly as the Persians grew in confidence. As it looked to be ending in a goalless draw,the unfortunate Aziz Bouhaddouz headed into his own net in the 95th minute which left Morocco with a mountain to climb if they were to progress from the group.

In their second match-up with Portugal, Morocco knew it was win or bust. They got off to the worst start as Manuel da Costa left Cristiano Ronaldo unmarked from a corner in the 4th minute to head home is 4th of the tournament. The African side dominated the rest of the game but couldn't find a goal. They were unlucky not to be given at least one penalty, especially when Jose Fonte bundled Khalid Boutaib over in the box in the first half- the incident was not even looked at by VAR. This all resulted in Morocco offically being the 1st side knocked out of the World Cup.

Spain were the final test and Herve Renard ensured that his Moroccan side would fight for their country and play as if they could still qualify for the knockout rounds. It was a performance to be proud of as Morocco twice lead one of the favourites for the tournament, only to be denied the 3 points by a very contentious Iago Aspas equaliser late on. 

So although the performances were good in all 3 games, it seemed The Atlas Lions just lacked something in the final third to finish off some of the many chances created. 

Here are the player ratings for all of Morocco's used players in the 2018 World Cup:

Munir- 7

There was much debate on whether the Numancia keeper should start over Girona's Yaccine Bounou after Munir had barely played a domestic game this season. However, Renard's decision to stick with Munir was rewarded as he produced some fine saves in the 3 games, particularly his brilliant one-on-one stops to deny Iran's Sardar Azmoun and Portugal's Goncalo Guedes. He was also assured with his feet and commanded his box in most situations.

Nabil Dirar- 6

After being unavailable for the warm-up matches and World Cup opener with Iran, Nabil Dirar started against Portugal and Spain. He was reasonably solid against Portugal but Spain managed to get through on his side a number of times in the first half, with Isco's goal coming down the Moroccan right side. After the break, he attacked well with Nordin Amrabat and the Spaniard's struggled to get as much joy down his side. 

Mehdi Benatia- 6

The experienced skipper was bailed out by Munir against Iran when he dived in and missed a tackle on the halfway line. He seemed to lack composure in both boxes, missing countless chances against Portugal, failing to hit the target with any of his shots but was more assured in the defensive side of his game. The Juventus man was rightfully dropped against Spain after he allegedly questioned assistant coach Mustapha Hadji after the Portugal game.

Romain Saiss- 7

The 28-year-old was decent against Iran and surprisingly dropped against Portugal for da Costa. Renard brought him back in against Spain and he showed why he should have started the previous game. He was composed on the ball and won a number of crosses in the second half of the Spain match. Should be a mainstay of the Morocco defence in years to come.

Manuel da Costa- 5

A second half sub versus Iran, da Costa was his eratic self, managing to injure his back after shooting wildly from 35 yards. He was handed a start against Portugal and was at fault for the goal, losing Ronaldo to easily as he headed in the winner. Against Spain, he was better, defending well with Saiss to keep Diego Costa quiet. 

Achraf Hakimi- 6

For a 19-year-old at his first major tournament, Hakimi performed admirably but did lack experience, finding it difficult on the left side having to come back in- this made him quite predictable and easy to defend against, especially for the Iranians. He did manage to keep Manchester City star Bernardo Silva subdued against Portugal and was again defensively reliable against Spain, his country of birth. In the future, the Real Madrid defender may be deployed at right back with Lille's Hamza Mendyl being ready to come in at left back, bringing more balance to the side. 

Karim El Ahmadi- 8

Often goes under the radar but showed that he is one of Morocco's best players in all 3 games. The Feyenoord midfielder does a lot of the dirty work, winning the ball back and starting off attacks. When in possession, he was composed and managed to always find a pass. Bossed the midfield against Iran and Portugal as well as screening in front of the back four against Spain to stop their midfielders feeding Costa. 

Mbark Bousouffa- 6.5

In possibly his last 3 international games for the Atlas Lions, Bousouffa definitely gave everything he could, closing down opponents at every opportunity, constantly retrieving the ball as well as trying to help his team out in both boxes. Didn't seem to effect the games as much on the ball. Was unfortunate to be the man whose heel kept Iago Aspas onside for Spain's late equaliser. 

Younes Belhanda- 5.5

The Galatasaray midfielder came into the tournament in form, scoring in consecutive warm up games and looking really confident. Belhanda was disappointing against Iran, giving the ball away too easily on several occasions. Almost equalised in Moscow against Portugal was it not for a great save from Rui Patricio but other than that failed to make a great impact. He then forgot his defensive duties against Spain, losing Andres Iniesta, who squared for Isco's goal. An underwhelming campaign for the 28-year-old. 

Nordin Amrabat- 9

One word, warrior. The wide-man started at right back in the game with Iran but was pretty much positioned as a right winger. Was Morocco's best outlet, repeatedly taking on his man in the first half and continued to look dangerous in the second. Subbed off with concussion and his tournament seemed to be over. Despite FIFA concussion regulations, Amrabat was a surprise starter just 5 days later against Portugal and wore a protective skull hat. Any doubts that he wasn't fit were quickly eradicated when the Moroccan winger tormented left back Raphael Guerreiro for 90 minutes. He carried his form into the Spain match, hitting a superb shot from 30 yards off the bar after the break in another battling performance. Morocco's star performer in Russia.

Hakim Ziyech- 6.5

There's no doubting his talent but Morocco's playmaker was guilty of trying too much in all 3 games. With Iran defending deep, Ziyech showed obvious frustration, coming too deep for the ball, leaving the striker isolated. He did show glimpses of brilliance with a well-taken half volley saved in the second half. The Ajax man was highly involved against Portugal, creating some of Morocco's best chances from sublime set-piece delivery as well as having a shot blocked near the end. Was again somewhat guilty of overplaying versus Spain but these mistakes were not punished. Hoped for more but will still be key in tournaments to come. 

Amine Harit- 6

Harit started the tournament strongly, causing Iran major problems in the first 20 minutes by his fearless running with the ball and taking on multiple defenders. Did fade in the second half and was liable for holding the ball for too long instead of passing. Renard chose not to use him against Portugal or Spain which was surprising after Harit's promising opening game. 

Khalib Boutaib- 5

Drafted in for the game with Portugal, Boutaib struggled to make an impact against the experienced centre back pairing of Jose Fonte and Pepe. Couldn't get into the game and didn't hold the ball up, although he could have been awarded a penalty after Fonte jumped into him off the ball. Atoned for his abject display against Spain, scoring Morocco's first goal at a World Cup for 20 years by tucking away a one-on-one with David De Gea. Missed a similar opportunity in the first half and managed to hold the ball up better in the second half. 

Ayoub El Kaabi- 4

The man every Moroccan wanted to lead the line showed his inexperience of top level football. Rewarded for his impressive performances in the warm-up games, El Kaabi earned a start against Iran but was left isolated up front. Struggled to muster up any clear chances on goal and didn't link the play either. Was subbed on against Portugal and was ineffective against their experienced defence, perhaps showing that he wasn't quite ready for the World Cup.

Aziz Bouhaddouz- 3

Unfortunately for Bouhaddouz, his World Cup memory will be him scoring in his own net in the 95th minute. It was unlucky but avoidable. Was subbed on late against Iran and Spain but didn't make a positive impact in either.

Faycal Fajr- 5

The Getafe midfielder's only meaningful impact in his 2 substitute appearances was his pinpoint corner for Youssef En-Nesyri's header against Spain. That alone is worth his rating.

Youssef En-Nesyri- 5

Given only 20 minutes in Morocco's final game with Spain, the 21-year-old will remember his World Cup debut very fondly. With 10 minutes left, En-Nesyri rose high above Sergio Ramos to bullet home a fantastic header in what was nearly a famous winning goal. Hopefully improves his technical game in the future as his physical attributes can be a real asset to this Moroccan side. 

Sofyan Amrabat- 3

After replacing his concussed brother against Iran, Sofyan was asked to play in an unfamiliar position of right-back and showed naivety by giving away a needless free-kick late on which led to the Bouhaddouz own goal. Struggled to get forward and was not used in the other 2 games.