A former manager of Moroccan World Cup hero Azzedine Ounahi has claimed that Barcelona would be the perfect club for the midfielder.
The 22-year-old has been a standout performer for Morocco as they became the first African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals, and was recently linked with a move to Camp Nou.
The midfielder currently plays for Ligue 1 outfit Angers and is reportedly seen as a cheaper alternative to Bernardo Silva for manager Xavi, and could move once the tournament ends.
Speaking to Eurosport, Frederic Reculeau, who managed Ounahi at Avranches, claimed that Barcelona would be an excellent destination for his former player.
He said: “For me, it is the ideal club for him. His game is adapted to the Spanish division. Could he make it in other championships? Yes, but I would have more doubts because of the physical challenge.
“Either way, I see him more at Barcelona than elsewhere. The more he plays in a team with high potential, the more his talent will be apparent.”
TIF Thoughts on Ounahi and Barcelona…
Although Barcelona are well-stocked in the central midfield area with Pedri, Gavi, Franck Kessie and Frenkie de Jong all competing for game time, Ounahi could be a nice option for Xavi to have at his disposal.
A versatile attack-minded midfielder, the 22-year-old, who has been hailed as ‘incredible’, remarkably ranks in the top 1% of midfielders for dribbles and the top 8% for attacking penalty-area touches as per FBref, showing that he could provide an extra goal threat from deeper positions.
There may be more interest in the midfielder after his outstanding campaign for Morocco, but it would be tough for him to turn down Barcelona should they bid for him.