The Moroccan national football team is gearing up to face the Netherlands in the World Cup round of 16, with challenging weather conditions expected to play a major role.
Temperatures are predicted to reach around 33 degrees Celsius at kickoff.
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Midfielder Ismael Saibari has been a standout performer for Morocco, scoring three goals in three group stage matches.
His displays have drawn admiration from former Netherlands coach Guus Hiddink, who praised the PSV Eindhoven player's development.
"I have spoken to Saibari multiple times.
He came through the youth at PSV, and I talked to him when Philip Cocu was head coach," Hiddink said on De Oranjezomer.
He noted that Saibari has become very fit and robust, qualities essential for international football.
"If you want to make it internationally, you need to be technically good, have speed, and be quite powerful," Hiddink added.
He highlighted Saibari's ability to win duels and sprints as particularly impressive.
According to voetbalprimeur. nl, Saibari's strong World Cup and club performances could lead to a summer transfer to Bayern Munich.
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Morocco Coach Praises Saibari's Versatility
Morocco manager Ouahbi lauded Saibari's versatility and technical qualities during a press conference ahead of the Netherlands match.
"He is very versatile," Ouahbi said, noting the midfielder's ability to use both feet, stamina, shooting skill, and talent for bypassing opponents.
"He is a player of very high level.
I don't know who said it, but I think it's 100 percent true: his best position is on the pitch.
That sums him up perfectly," Ouahbi added.
Morocco enters the knockout stage with a fully fit squad after Ouahbi rested several regular starters in the final group match against Haiti to manage minutes.
"We gave chances to players who haven't played much, so they are also ready," he explained.
Ouahbi acknowledged the extreme heat will be a severe physical challenge for both teams.
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"It will be a great match, but the temperature will be tough for both sides," he said.
