A new name is beginning to demand attention in Morocco’s midfield.
As the Atlas Lions navigate an important period in the centre of the pitch, Reda Belahyane is steadily rebuilding his position at Lazio, turning recent opportunities into increasingly convincing performances.
His rise comes at a particularly interesting moment for Morocco, with the defensive midfield position facing a period of uncertainty following Sofyan Amrabat’s decision to suspend his international involvement while Mohamed Ouahbi remains in charge.
For Belahyane, the timing could hardly be more significant.
From the Bench to the Starting XI
Belahyane spent a period on the fringes of Lazio’s starting lineup, waiting patiently for his opportunity.
That opportunity eventually arrived under Gennaro Gattuso.
The Moroccan midfielder was handed a starting role against Udinese before retaining his place against AC Milan, where he completed the entire match in midfield.
Rather than simply taking part, Belahyane responded with performances built around calmness, discipline and tactical awareness.
His recent run has changed the picture considerably.
Belahyane Is Becoming a Genuine Contender
The midfielder is no longer simply waiting for another chance.
He is beginning to look like a serious competitor for a starting position at Lazio, with his recent performances highlighting qualities that could make him particularly valuable in a defensive midfield role.
Recent data also indicates that Belahyane has been Lazio’s most successful player at recovering possession during the latest period.
His interpretation of the holding-midfield role also differs from some of his competitors, giving him a profile built around protecting the defence, recovering the ball and helping initiate play from deep.
Those characteristics could be particularly useful for a Morocco side looking for greater balance in midfield.
A New Option for the Atlas Lions
This is where Belahyane's situation becomes increasingly relevant to the national team.
Amrabat's absence leaves an important space to fill in a position that has been central to Morocco's success over recent years.
The Atlas Lions therefore face the challenge of expanding their options and identifying players capable of competing at the highest level.
Belahyane's recent development in Italy could put him firmly into that conversation.
He has regained his rhythm, accumulated important minutes and, perhaps most importantly, begun to earn greater trust at club level.
Gattuso’s Confidence Could Be Crucial
Working under a coach such as Gennaro Gattuso also represents an important stage in Belahyane's development.
The Lazio midfielder is now receiving greater responsibility and the opportunity to demonstrate his qualities in high-level Serie A matches.
For Ouahbi, that evolution could be impossible to overlook.
A player who was previously struggling for consistent minutes is now competing for a starting role at one of Italy's major clubs, a transformation that naturally changes the conversation surrounding his international prospects.
The Door Is Open
Ultimately, the decision remains with Mohamed Ouahbi.
Will the Morocco head coach reopen the door for Belahyane and give him the opportunity to demonstrate that his growing influence in Serie A can translate into a genuine contribution for the Atlas Lions?
Or will Ouahbi continue with other options in defensive midfield?
For now, one thing is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
From Rome, Reda Belahyane is sending increasingly powerful signals.
And with Morocco searching for solutions in the heart of midfield, the Lazio midfielder may be knocking on the national team's door harder than ever.