Amine Harit package for the World Cup in Qatar, after a serious injury a week before the big meeting, the Moroccan selection needed a replacement. The reinforcement was formalized on Wednesday November 16: it is the young Anass Zaroury, ex-international Belgian Espoir.
Walid Regragui, the Morocco coach, had to revise his plans for this 2022 World Cupwhere his selection will face Canada, Belgium and Croatia in group F. In very good shape since the beginning of the fall, Amine Harit from Marseille saw his dream of playing a second World Cup crumble on Sunday, November 13, in what was to be his last match before joining the national team.
The Moroccan was hit hard in the left knee during contact with French neo-international Axel Disasi, defender of AS Monaco. OM’s medical staff initially mentioned a sprained cruciate ligament, but on the Canebière, we want to be pessimistic. On Tuesday, November 15, club president Pablo Longoria announced new upcoming exams, “ but the trend is that we will lose him (Amine Harit) for the rest of the season “.
One thing is certain: the attacking midfielder will not play the World Cup in Qatar. And the Atlas Lions therefore need a new player. After a few days of negotiations, his identity was revealed at the end of the day on Wednesday: Anass Zaroury.
السيد وليد الركراكي يوجه الدعوة لانس زروري للمشاركة في نهائيات كأس العالم فيفا ↑ 2022 ??
? We are pleased to announce that Anass Zaroury will be joining our National Team#DimaMaghrib ?? pic.twitter.com/hF0RLEmER3
— Morocco team (@EnMaroc) November 16, 2022
” my dream come true »
The left winger, who celebrated his 23rd birthday on November 7, started his career in his native Belgium. Born in Mechelen, he was partly trained in Waregem before taking his first steps in Lommel and Charleroi. Last August, he answered the call of Vincent Kompany, the former Belgian defender, now coach of Burnley FC in the Championship, the English second division championship.
On the other side of the Channel, Anass Zaroury has been having a blast since the start of the season. His club is at the top of the championship and has already scored 8 goals and provided 2 assists in the space of 19 games in all competitions. Performances that caught the attention of the Moroccan staff.
With Belgian and Moroccan nationalities, the player had the choice between the two selections. Until now, he had only known the jersey of Belgium, from young people to Espoirs. In September again, Anass Zaroury had played against the Dutch and French Hopes. However, the Claret (nickname of Burnley players) left the door open for the A’s.
The choice was finally made. It is with Morocco that Anass Zaroury will now evolve. On his Instagram account, the new Atlas Lion spoke of a ” dream come true “. ” I am very happy and honored to be able to defend the colors of Morocco during the best competition in the world. I would like to thank my loved ones, my family and the Moroccan supporters for their immense support. Without forgetting the coach for confidence and for having given me the opportunity to realize a childhood dream “, he wrote.
Chance does things well: Anass Zaroury will have the opportunity to cross Belgium on November 27 in Dohaduring Morocco’s second pool match.