Mazraoui has been a consistent presence for his national team, helping them reach the quarter-finals where they are set to face France after eliminating the Netherlands and Canada in the knockout stages.
Ten Hag first brought Mazraoui into professional contention at Ajax, later signing him for Manchester United in 2024. During his current duties as a pundit at the World Cup in the Netherlands, the former United manager has spoken highly of his former player’s qualities and contributions.
Ten Hag recalled the moment he gave Mazraoui his debut at Ajax, describing him as athletic, technically adept, and offensively inclined. He attributed Mazraoui’s early trust in his system to the strong bond that developed between them, noting that Mazraoui would “walk through fire for you” once that trust was established. He also described Mazraoui as a reliable, professional presence who sees through pretense and remains focused on the task at hand.
Among the notable achievements, Mazraoui is recognized as one of the more successful signings under Ten Hag at Manchester United. His development has continued despite a challenging club season, where competition for the right-back position has been intense, with teammates such as Diogo Dalot taking on a leading role at times.
Mazraoui’s versatility has been on display for Morocco, having played at left-back and even filled in at centre-back when required. The World Cup has emphasized his talent and allowed him to return to the broader form that made him a key asset for both club and country. As Morocco prepare for their quarter-final showdown with France, Mazraoui’s fitness and form will be pivotal in determining how far the team can progress in the tournament.
