Younes Ebnoutalib, a promising 22-year-old forward standing at an impressive 1.91 meters, has recently made headlines with his remarkable performance on the pitch. In a stunning display during a match, he scored a rapid double within the first eleven minutes, propelling his team into a comeback and ultimately securing the lead. Ebnoutalib added to his tally with a technical volley in the 67th minute, finishing off a well-orchestrated counterattack with a precise shot that found the side netting, thus completing his hat-trick.
This stellar performance has propelled Ebnoutalib’s goal and assist tally to five across his last two matches in all competitions, following a notable showing in the cup the previous weekend where he contributed one goal and one assist. His recent form raises the possibility of a call-up to the Moroccan national team, especially considering his previous frustrations after being overlooked for the 2026 World Cup, and his eligibility to represent Germany adds another layer of intrigue to his international future.
The resurgence of Ebnoutalib complicates the selection process for head coach Mohamed Ouahbi as he prepares the squad for the upcoming CAN 2027 qualifiers against Gabon and Lesotho. The competition for a spot in the attacking line-up is becoming increasingly fierce; Yassir Zabiri has also made headlines with a hat-trick for Racing Santander, while Abdellah Ouazane recently notched up two assists while playing for Ajax.
Who Will Fill the Void?
Furthermore, Ebnoutalib’s impressive form reignites a pressing question in Moroccan football: who will succeed Younes En-Nesyri as the spearhead of the Moroccan attack? For years, En-Nesyri has been the cornerstone of the Atlas Lions’ offensive strategy. Now, it falls upon Mohamed Ouahbi to identify a suitable heir to this critical role.
This search for a new number 9 remains one of the few unresolved issues for the Atlas Lions, who boast an abundance of talent across various positions. This situation was highlighted during the 2026 World Cup when Ouahbi opted to deploy Ismaïl Saibari, usually a number 10, as a center forward. The decision proved fruitful, as the new Bayern Munich player scored three goals during the tournament, yet it underscored the lack of credible alternatives in the striker position.
As Younes Ebnoutalib’s performance continues to be scrutinized, all eyes will be on whether he receives a call-up to the national team and whether he can establish himself as a vital attacking asset for the Atlas Lions in the forthcoming fixtures.
As reported by sportnewsafrica.com.
