Pressure is mounting on the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) to secure the international future of Ajax midfielder Abdellah Ouazane, following his impressive pre-season performances that attracted interest from both the Netherlands and Morocco.
Reports indicate that technical director Nigel de Jong is being urged to initiate discussions with the 17-year-old prospect.
The Moroccan Football Federation previously engaged with Ouazane at a young age, including an honor at the Moroccan consulate in Amsterdam in November 2023 after his youth debut.
Morocco's Diaspora Strategy
Former Moroccan Football Federation technical director Chris van Puyvelde explained the strategic approach used to recruit diaspora players for the national team.
"Our plan with Appie worked well," he said.
Van Puyvelde outlined how the federation targeted specific player profiles that were lacking in the local youth system.
"It was part of the new policy to look much more at the diaspora. Morocco lacked offensively-minded players who can play through the lines," he explained.
"In Morocco, they play twenty against twenty on fifty square meters on the street.
You don't have the ball often, so when you have it, you don't give it away. At most, you give a little pass to the side.
I am exaggerating, but we had fewer players with Appie's profile," Van Puyvelde added.
Although Ouazane previously represented Dutch youth teams before choosing Morocco, reports indicate his commitment remains firmly with the North African nation.
"In Morocco, the news about the (alleged) interest of the KNVB in the main character in this story is big news.
The pressure on Nigel de Jong is increasing to open talks with Ajax top talent Abdellah Ouazane, who can also play for Morocco.
The goal? To convince him of a future with Oranje," reported Actu Foot Maroc.
Despite potential renewed efforts from the Dutch association, sources close to the player suggest a switch to the Netherlands is highly unlikely.
"According to reports, pressure in the Netherlands is said to be increasing for Nigel de Jong to open talks with Abdellah Ouazane, with a view to a possible choice for Oranje.
But on Ouazane's side, there has never been any ambiguity about his preference.
The Ajax talent has shown several times that his heart lies entirely with Morocco and that his big dream is to wear the shirt of the Atlas Lions.
The Netherlands can always attempt to convince him, but the chance of a switch to Oranje seems nil," stated NextGen Morocco.
The debate surrounding Ouazane highlights the ongoing competition between European nations and diaspora federations for dual-national football talents.
