Could Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi become one of the best full backs in the world?
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal consoles Achraf Hakimi of Morocco following Morocco's elimination from the World Cup after their defeat in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Portugal and Morocco at Luzhniki Stadium on June 20, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.
(June 19, 2018 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
We only loan our valuables because both the lender and borrower cannot do without them. When they are not as valuable, we give them away forever. That is the same principle that has applied on the 20-year-old Achraf Hakimi who is currently on loan at the German Club, Borussia Dortmund from Real Madrid. Apparently Real Madrid already regret that. But why? Is it because he could most likely become one of the best full backs in the world?
The player caught the eyes of many when Spain faced Morocco in the World Cup. Interestingly, he was playing for his native homeland against the country that had given him a place to be born and grow up. Even though he pulled impressive stunts at left back position, he prefers to play on the right where he likes running up and down the flank with the opportunity to use his favorite right foot to swing in crosses or weed out the ball from the feet of the opponents. Such versatility is what distinguishes a player from others. His coach at Dortmund, Lucien Favre also alluded to the fact that he does a great job when playing forward too. He was quoted saying:
“He’s playing so well. He’s great going forward and he does a good job at the back. He played at left-back for Morocco, but prefers to play at right-back. He has so much potential.”
In his first three games with Borussia Dortmund, he rocked up two assists and one goal. He also won the Bundesliga Rookie of the month of September which places him right on track for winning the Bundesliga’s Rookie of the season. Even though he has not scored in the UEFA Champions League, his unquestionable dribbling and crossing abilities have graced him with three assists.
The young star also has quite a teachable spirit. He says he is ready to play as an attacker, but since he is with a coach who prefers a team with a strong defense, he will do just that. In an interview, he was quoted saying, “He's a coach who likes his teams to defend well and that's what he's asking me to do. In attack I'm ready, but the coach wants me to improve tactically and defensively and I think I'm getting it.”
“.he prefers to play on the right where he likes running up and down the flank with the opportunity to use his favorite right foot to swing in crosses or weed out the ball from the feet of the opponents. Such versatility is what distinguishes a player from others”
This is a multi-faceted player who is not, however, willing to use the field to flex talent but to ensure that he grows. It is these tiny things that ensure that a player is not just good, but continuously becomes greater. He also stated that the reason why he agreed to the loan was because of their willingness to help young players grow and help them become better. A great full-back who is persistently after growth!
