Reda Belahyane has earned glowing praise from Italian football legend Gennaro Gattuso, who believes the Moroccan midfielder possesses his own distinct identity and a more elegant style of play than he had during his playing career.
Speaking at the press conference following Lazio’s match against Parma, Gattuso was asked whether he considered the young Moroccan a miniature version of himself. His response was emphatic, highlighting both Belahyane’s individuality and the hard work behind his development.
- “No… Belahyane is Belahyane. He always proves that he is ready, and what he is doing today is the result of the effort and hard work he has put in over the past period,” Gattuso explained.
The comments underline the growing appreciation for the Moroccan international’s qualities and the impression he has made with his performances in Italian football.
Gattuso Highlights Belahyane’s Tactical Intelligence
Beyond his defensive contribution, Gattuso was particularly impressed by the youngster’s understanding of positioning and his ability to read the game.
The Italian coach believes Belahyane still has room to develop, especially when transitioning from winning possession to launching attacks.
- “He can improve further, particularly in looking forward and playing the ball quickly into attack as soon as he wins it back. But he has very high tactical intelligence and knows exactly how to intercept passing lanes and choose the right position,” Gattuso said.
These qualities are essential for a modern midfielder, particularly in Serie A, where tactical discipline and awareness can determine the outcome of closely contested matches.
Belahyane’s ability to anticipate opposition movements, close passing channels and recover possession gives his team an important defensive foundation. Improving the speed and ambition of his forward passing could help him become even more influential in possession.
“My Style Was Less Entertaining to Watch”
Gattuso also addressed comparisons between their defensive approaches, responding with humour when asked about their similarities in winning the ball.
- “Perhaps he resembles me a little in intercepting and winning possession, but my style was less entertaining to watch, whereas Belahyane is much more elegant than me when he plays with the ball,” the Italian explained.
The remark reflects the contrast between Gattuso’s famously combative playing style and Belahyane’s more fluid technical approach.
During his career, Gattuso became renowned for his aggression, tireless work rate and determination in midfield. Belahyane, meanwhile, combines defensive awareness with greater emphasis on composure and elegance in possession.
Rather than presenting the Moroccan as a copy of the former Italy international, the coach made it clear that the youngster is developing his own footballing identity.
Belahyane Strengthens His Reputation in Italian Football
Praise from a figure of Gattuso’s stature represents an encouraging endorsement for the young Moroccan as he continues his development in Serie A.
The midfielder’s tactical discipline, positional intelligence and ability to recover possession provide a strong platform for further progress. His next challenge will be to translate those qualities into an even greater influence on Lazio’s attacking play.
For Moroccan football supporters, such recognition is another positive sign of the talent emerging from the country and establishing itself in one of Europe's most demanding leagues.
Gattuso’s message was ultimately straightforward: Belahyane has the qualities to improve further, but his greatest strength lies in becoming the best version of himself.
He may share some of Gattuso’s defensive instincts, but Belahyane is building a style of his own, one that combines tactical intelligence with the elegance of a modern midfielder.