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.”

— Lucien Favre, Borrusia Dortmund Coach

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”

— Simiso Shabangu, FirstTouch Africa

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!

Is Sadio Mane Real Madrid material?

During this period when one of the biggest soccer clubs in the world is struggling in the Spanish La Liga, many performing players across the best leagues in Europe will continue to be linked with a move to Real Madrid. This week, we assess the prospect of an African international, Sadio Mane, switching clubs to play at the highest level. Here are a few reasons why Real Madrid need the services of the Liverpool player.

Sadio Mane of Liverpool warms up ahead of the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge on September 29, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 28, 2018 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

Of course, one attribute that the biggest players need to have is the swag and confidence to take on defenders. Real Madrid is a club that thrives on fear in their opponents whenever they hear that they are set to face the Spanish team from the capital, but this fear factor has gradually died down since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. The likes of Marco Asensio, Lucas Vazquez and Diaz Mariano have lacked that fierce threat that the Portuguese had with the ball at his feet. Sadio Mane has it. The Senegalese international is always on his toes in the English Premier League, sweeping past either Kyle Walker, Antonio Valencia, Kieran Trippier, Hector Bellerin or Cesar Azpilicueta – supposedly the best right backs in the league. His swift touch and low body feint is enough to deal with opponents as he creates a path for himself on his way to goal. Mane also has those Ronaldo-like tricks that shake stubborn defenders and unlocks goal scoring opportunities for his club. Ask Neymar! Real Madrid need that quality and his place in the team will be undoubted if he so chooses to be another Real Madrid Galactico signing.

If not that, then you need to have players who turn up at the biggest games. Arsenal fans have been at Mesut Ozil’s back since his move from Real Madrid due to his inconsistent performances against big teams. Our African is the exact opposite. In fact, Sadio Mane turns up more in the biggest games as evidenced in the UEFA Champions League final against Real Madrid. The Liverpool forward stood up to the test in the absence of Mohamed Salah who unfortunately picked up a hand injury after an altercation with Sergio Ramos. Mane was a constant menace down the left channel and was the one who scored the equalizing goal in the final. Already, Real Madrid have lost to Sevilla and failed to win their local derby against Atletico Madrid as they currently sit in 10th position – an unfamiliar situation for the club. With Mane on their books, they are guaranteed a player who will fight for the pride of the club and performs to his best in such games. The Spanish Giants would probably not be trail in the likes of Barcelona in this early stage of the competition.

“His swift touch and low body feint is enough to deal with opponents as he creates a path for himself on his way to goal. Mane also has those Ronaldo-like tricks that shake stubborn defenders and unlocks goal scoring opportunities for his club. Ask Neymar! ”

— Tinotenda Magiya, FirstTouch Africa

In addition, the Hazard factor is a plus for Mane. The fact that Real Madrid are lining up a bid for the Chelsea forward proves they are in need of a player of Mane’s stature. Eden Hazard like Mane, carries his team. He is the player that Chelsea look up to in times of need. This has been the case for quite a number of years which suits the setup of a club like Madrid who idolized Ronaldo and played to his strengths. Sadio Mane also carried his teams from Southampton to Liverpool who recently acquired another great gem in the Egyptian Mo Salah. Mane can easily step into Ronaldo’s shoes and unleash his true potential playing next to the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Marcelo etc. The club is already set up to play for an individual which explains their recent struggles in the Spanish La Liga. With Mane, they will be formidable force again.

Sadio Mane of Liverpool is challenged by Wesley Hoedt of Southampton during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC at Anfield on September 22, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 21, 2018 - Source: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe)

Finally, I think it is about time that Real Madrid had an African player in their team. The last time I recall an African player turning up in the famous white jersey was back during Mourinho’s tenure when the Portuguese coach sought the services of Emmanuel Adebayor and Michael Essien. You might wonder why I refer to these old times when Real Madrid have Achraf Hakimi on their books. That’s because the player has not been handed the opportunities to play and is now further down the pecking order with the recent acquisition of Odriozola who competes with Dani Carvajal in the right back spot. It has truly been a while and the club need to think about this proposition if they want to go back to their rightful place at the top.

It seems as if all points are pointing towards the signing of the African forward but he also has his shortcomings. His numbers to be specific, are not enough to stake a claim for one of the biggest club in the world to invest hundreds of millions to bring him to the Santiago Bernabeu. Mane still scores goals short of expectations for a club like Madrid who require consistent goals in all competitions. Mane is yet to score more than 20 goals in a single campaign which brings questions about this claim. However, this has been down to the countless injuries that the Liverpool forward picks up as he is a target for all the defenders in the league. Dribblers will always be kicked and tussled as they are not well-protected in the English Premier League. Therefore, it is also tricky to judge this part of Mane’s game. Maybe a move to Madrid will give us all the answers we need.

I think he is ready for a move to Real Madrid. What are your thoughts?

Ramos sneaks up on record cap holder Casillas

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has been a joy to watch for the Spanish national side in over a decade now. He started out as a right-back but has since converted into one of the greatest centre-backs the national side have ever seen. This means that the player has been called up more often to wear the Spanish colors and he is about to become the highest caps holder for the country. The record is currently sitting with former club mate Iker Casillas who appeared in the Spanish colors on 167 occasions. Ramos currently lies at 150 and believes that the goalkeeper is shaking because he is edging close since he is still an integral part of the national team. Ramos has admitted that the feat could be tough to reach and he is just proud of what he has already achieved so far. He is hopeful of claiming the record with time. Do you think he deserves the record? Drop your thoughts in the comment section.

The dilemma brought about by Luka Modric

The best way to describe the Croatian midfielder is to call him a midfield maestro. The 33-year old player has been at the heart of Real Madrid ever since Mourinho bought him in 2012. It has not all been perfect though for the former Tottenham midfielder as he was once voted the worst Real Madrid player in his first season after failing to adapt to the league. The Madrid faithful have since regretted for judging him too soon as the player has cemented his position as the box-to-box midfielder. He has orchestrated some of the most brutal attacks on teams like Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Barcelona and Manchester United with a simple drop-shoulder dribble and quick pass to Ronaldo which instigated counter-attacks that have led to goals. Unplayable when he is at his best and irreplaceable when he is not available through to suspensions and injuries. The question is who will replace him if Madrid are relying so badly on him? What will happen when he eventually retires because he is not getting any younger? Madrid have already thought about these questions and have since been on the lookout.

Di Maria Up For Madrid

The Argentine wing wizard has been a consistent performer for the Parisians prior to the arrival of the most expensive teenager, Kylian Mbappe. Angelo Di Maria relishes the opportunity to showcase his talent against his former club in Real Madrid. He is almost guaranteed a start since Neymar is injured and Mbappe would likely move to his favorite position on the left to make up an attacking trio with Edinson Cavani. Di Maria lost his place in the starting 11 but that does not mean that he is less of a great player because he has shown what he is capable of whenever the starters are rested. This opportunity to take part in a huge game has come at the expense of his teammate but the winger will most likely take it with both hands and make the most of it. The club need to overturn their 3-1 defeat and the Argentine is the perfect replacement for Neymar as he will be extra-motivated to perform at the big stage against his former club.

Special: Ronaldo equals Messi’s five Ballon d’Or wins

Cristiano Ronaldo was crowned 2017 best football player in the world. He now equals Messi’s five Ballon d’Or wins and sits level with the Argentinian atop the footballing elite. Cristiano enjoyed another standout campaign as he led Real Madrid to their first La Liga BBVA title in 5 years, tallying 25 goals and 6 assists. Perhaps, even more impressive were his 12 Champions League goals that helped secure Madrid their third trophy CL trophy in 3 years. The 2017 Ballon marked the seventh time in seven years that both the Portuguese Star and Messi finished in the top two for the award. You’d have to go back to 2007 for the last time another player won the award, when Kaka lifted the trophy after a legendary season with AC Milan.

With the 2018 World Cup on the horizon, it’s hard not to imagine Ronaldo and Messi are itching at another opportunity to distinguish themselves as the best once more. As for 2017, players who placed after first and second were Brazil’s Neymar at third and Juventus’ Buffon at fourth. Hear more from Cristiano on his special moment and checkout a Complete 2017 list of Ballon d'Or rankings with club/country.