Moroccan defender Chadi Riad was not expected to blossom at this level. By a combination of circumstances, the Moroccan defender got his chance early with Real Betis and is making a very strong impression.
Chadi passes derby test with flying colors
In the Andalusian derby at Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán on Sunday November 12, Chadi Riad (20) shone brightly. Betis' young Moroccan defender was unstoppable at the back.
The Moroccan's statistics were edifying. Chadi Riad cleared 8 balls, including 4 with his head. He won 6 out of 8 duels, without losing a single one on the ground.He also recovered 4 balls and intercepted another, completing 81% of his passes. Finally, he conceded no fouls.
Finally, he conceded no fouls. He managed to muzzle his opposite number En-Nesyri. Who only had one chance, a header that went wide. He successfully passed the test of the derby, a match that can either doom a player or make him a permanent fixture in the hearts of aficionados. He passed with flying colors.
And yet, just a few months ago, the player who is currently making the headlines was competing for a place in the First Federation with Barcelona's reserve team. It was in these circumstances that he caught the eye of Bétis sporting director Ramón Planes, who sniffed out a bargain. Last summer, he placed his bets on the Moroccan to complete the green and white defence.
A complementary player thrust into the limelight
As mentioned above, Chadi Riad's task this season was to gain experience and learn from his predecessors in the hierarchy. Pezzella, Luiz Felipe and Bartra in particular. He therefore watched the first few games from the bench, no doubt hoping from time to time for an opportunity in La Liga or the start of the first rounds of the King's Cup. Which would already be a tremendous step forward in his career.He was not included in the Europa League squad to confirm his status as a complementary player. But with Bartra's long-term injury and the transfer of Luiz Felipe, the player was given the chance to show his skills sooner than expected and he didn't waste the opportunity to show his worth.
Together with Pezzela, his defensive partner, he quickly got his bearings and played some big games. With the first third of the season already over, he has played 8 games, suffering just one defeat against his parent club (Barcelona). The player's performances far exceed the expectations placed in him and according to Marca, Real Betis' technical secretariat, at the end of the player's loan with option to buy, is aiming to keep him next season.
Bétis want to buy the player outright
The Green and Whites have the option, under the signed loan contract, of acquiring 50% of the Moroccan's economic rights for a sum of around three million euros. This option should be an obligation in line with a series of sporting objectives.
Bétis are already in talks with Barcelona to complete the purchase of the promising Moroccan international. They don't want to wait for the contractual conditions to be met before signing him.In other words, the player has definitely convinced the Sevillian staff.
The player who knows, could be one of the surprises on the Moroccan list for the AFCON 2023 in Côte d'Ivoire in January, given his performances. On Sunday November 26, the player is due to play another game in the central defense of Bétis, who host Las Palmas at 20:00 GMT for the 14th day of La Liga.
🇲🇦📊| Chadi Riad se classe quatrième parmi les joueurs des cinq grands championnats en termes de meilleur taux de réussite aux duels défensifs, avec un pourcentage total de 81,82%.
(Neurotactic) pic.twitter.com/4GfO1QC1Mz
— DM SPORT (@dmsportma) November 24, 2023
