World Cup 2022 – Morocco: Sofyan Amrabat, the midfield control tower

On Tuesday, against Spain, he was the only one you noticed. Sofyan Amrabat quite literally devoured the Spanish midfield, as his exceptional statistics after the match show. The Morocco midfielder won 7 of his 8 duels in the game. He also made every one of his tackles (4 out of 4). The Busquets-Pedri-Gavi trio will surely have nightmares about him. But the brother of Nordine Amrabat does not stand out only for his workrate and ball-winning. He is just as effective in possession: since the start of this World Cup, the Fiorentina player has a pass completion rate of 87%.

Yet this huge display might never have happened. Until Tuesday morning, Sofyan Amrabat was a doubt because of back pain. He had to be given an injection to play against La Roja. It is another sign of the strength of character of the former Club Brugge man.

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Plenty of suitors

The 26-year-old, who is arguably the best defensive midfielder at this World Cup, could well move up a level once it is over. Under contract with Fiorentina until June 2024, Sofyan Amrabat has a strong chance of leaving the Viola this winter. Prestigious destinations are opening up for him, notably in England. According to Foot Mercato, his entourage has already held talks with emissaries from Liverpool, where Jurgen Klopp wants to refresh his midfield. Tottenham, who tried to snap him up last winter, are also in the running. In Italy, meanwhile, Inter are making eyes at him.

And his agent's words are not going to calm the rumours. Mohammed Sinouh spoke about Sofyan Amrabat's future in comments relayed by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano. "Of course, I'm getting lots of phone calls about Sofyan. The whole world has seen that he is the best midfielder at the World Cup. Sofyan is a top professional, he is focused on the World Cup with Morocco."

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