For much of his first year and a half at Lazio, Reda Belahyane struggled to find the consistency and playing time needed to establish himself.
Now, under Gennaro Gattuso, the picture has changed dramatically.
The Moroccan midfielder has started Lazio's last three matches, putting together a run of performances that has brought him back into the spotlight and revived the promise that first made him stand out at Hellas Verona.
A Difficult Beginning in Rome
Belahyane arrived at Lazio in February 2025 from Hellas Verona, regarded as a young talent with plenty of potential to develop.
His first months, however, were modest.
He made just five appearances, including one start, during the remainder of that campaign. There were signs of quality, but the midfielder was still adapting to a much bigger environment.
The following season did not bring the breakthrough he had hoped for.
Under Maurizio Sarri, he featured only 14 times across Serie A and the Coppa Italia, registering two assists and approximately 600 minutes of football.
For a player who had shown so much promise in Verona, it was a frustrating period.
Gattuso Changes the Picture
The arrival of Gattuso has brought a completely different dynamic.
In just the opening weeks of the current campaign, the Moroccan has already accumulated around 300 minutes and, most importantly, three consecutive starts.
Those appearances came against Venezia, AC Milan and Udinese, with Lazio collecting two victories and a draw.
The results have been encouraging, but the most significant development has been the trust placed in the young midfielder.
A Different Mentality
Gattuso has also highlighted the importance of Belahyane's attitude during pre-season.
- “During the preparation, he fainted two or three times. He came to my office to apologise. I told him not to worry and to take it step by step,” the Lazio coach explained.
- “When I see commitment, young players who want to learn, it is a satisfaction for me. I want to help them.”
The Italian's comments offer an insight into the relationship developing between coach and player.
Rather than demanding immediate perfection, Gattuso appears to have focused on helping the youngster develop gradually while rewarding his commitment.
Finding the Right Role
Another important factor has been the way he is being used.
The Moroccan is capable of operating both as a central midfielder and a defensive midfielder, giving his coach flexibility in the middle of the pitch.
That versatility has allowed him to become more involved and regain the rhythm that had been missing during his difficult spell under Sarri.
The qualities that originally attracted Lazio are beginning to resurface: composure, technical ability and an ability to contribute in different phases of the game.
The Verona Spark Is Back
His emergence at Hellas Verona had earned him a €10 million transfer to Lazio, reflecting the belief the club had in his potential.
For a period, however, that early momentum appeared to have stalled. Now, the picture is beginning to change.
Three consecutive starts at a club of Lazio's level represent an important opportunity for the young Moroccan to finally demonstrate why he was considered such an exciting prospect when he arrived from Verona.
Morocco Could Be Watching Again
Belahyane received his first Morocco senior call-up in October 2024, opening the door to an international career with the Atlas Lions.
His recent return to regular club football could now put him back into the conversation.
There is still plenty of work ahead, but continued performances at this level would give the midfielder a strong platform to challenge for another opportunity with the national team.
For now, the priority is clear: keep playing, keep developing and make the most of the trust Gattuso has placed in him.
After a difficult period at Lazio, a new chapter is taking shape, and Belahyane finally has the regular minutes needed to show what he can do.