Morocco: is Brahim Diaz tempted by the Atlas Lions?
Brahim Diaz, the Real Madrid midfielder and former AC Milan player, is still being courted by the Moroccan national team
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Morocco's interest in Brahim Diaz has been public for several years, but they have yet to get their man. The reason is that the Real Madrid player still dreams of, and hopes for, a call-up to La Roja one day. According to Marca, that hope is starting to turn into despair. Spain did not come calling when he was at his peak, with Milan reaching the Champions League semi-final last season. He was left out again for the September get-together, as he looks to secure a place in the Madrid side.
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With that call-up still not coming, Morocco are continuing to woo the player, whose paternal grandparents come from Morocco. His father and representative is in contact with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, which is trying to persuade him. Morocco want to be able to count on him for the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, scheduled for January.
Morocco still have two international windows, in October and November, to try to convince Brahim Diaz to join the Atlas Lions. The country has plenty to offer: the quality of the squad, a World Cup semi-final run, and a Spanish contingent that came through Spain's system before choosing Morocco.
What message does this send to other Moroccan players?
Spain run the risk that Diaz, tired of waiting, ends up choosing Morocco, who are showing him plenty of interest. But is the player keen enough on the idea of playing in an AFCON to be won over? Will a player aiming for a starting place at Real risk joining Morocco? Given Real's thin squad, will they not force the midfielder to turn that choice down? He is at a pivotal point in his career.
What message does this persistent courting by African federations of dual-national players, who show a preference for their country of adoption and birth, send to the players who have stayed committed to the national team? It undoubtedly creates frustration for many. They invest themselves, show their love for the country, help the team to grow, and then get pipped to a place at a major tournament by a player who arrived as a fallback option. Football, supporters and federations can be ungrateful. When they are chasing silverware, gratitude takes a back seat.
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