Reda Belahyane is giving Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi another midfield option to consider. After a difficult 2025-26 campaign, the 22-year-old is rebuilding his momentum at Lazio, where his defensive work, technical ability and growing influence in possession have made him an increasingly important figure.
With Morocco’s next international gathering approaching, his revival in Italian football could hardly come at a better time. The young midfielder is not simply fighting for more minutes at club level; he is building a convincing case for another opportunity with the Atlas Lions.
Gattuso’s Trust Is Bringing Out Belahyane’s Best
Belahyane’s recent progress marks a significant change from last season, when he made just 14 appearances across the 2025-26 campaign.
Under Gennaro Gattuso, the Moroccan has found a more prominent role in Lazio’s midfield, becoming an important part of the team's approach to winning possession and building attacks from deep.
His defensive contribution has been particularly encouraging. According to the supplied statistics, he leads Lazio for ball recoveries this season with 29 and has completed eight tackles, underlining his ability to disrupt opposition attacks and protect the defence.
Those qualities could be especially valuable for Morocco, where the balance between defensive security and attacking ambition is crucial against physically demanding African opponents.
A Defensive Midfielder Who Can Do More
What makes Belahyane particularly interesting is that his game extends beyond winning the ball.
Operating as a deep-lying midfielder, he can collect possession under pressure, distribute passes and help dictate the tempo from the base of the midfield. The role resembles that of a regista — a playmaker operating from a deeper position.
His close control and ability to carry the ball forward also allow him to escape pressure and move his team into more advanced areas.
For Morocco, that combination could offer a useful alternative in midfield: a player capable of recovering possession without sacrificing technical quality or the ability to initiate attacks.
Rather than relying solely on physical duels, Belahyane can contribute to both phases of play, giving his team greater flexibility when transitioning between defence and attack.
A Timely Opportunity for the Atlas Lions
The timing of his resurgence is particularly significant as Morocco prepare for their upcoming international commitments.
The Atlas Lions are scheduled to face Niger on November 12 and November 17, in the third and fourth rounds of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, according to the supplied report.
With opportunities to assess different midfield combinations, Ouahbi could consider whether Belahyane's recent form deserves a place in the squad.
The midfielder already has experience with the national team, having received his first Morocco call-up under former head coach Walid Regragui in 2024. A return would therefore represent another step in his international journey rather than an entirely new beginning.
His performances at Lazio provide a strong argument for consideration, although securing a place will depend on the coaching staff's tactical plans and the competition for midfield positions.
Could Belahyane Become Morocco’s Surprise Package?
Morocco have several midfield options, but Belahyane offers a profile that could prove useful: defensive awareness, aggressive ball recovery, technical composure and the ability to progress possession from deep.
His development under Gattuso is giving him the opportunity to demonstrate those qualities consistently at club level. The next challenge is translating that momentum into the international arena.
For a player whose previous campaign offered limited opportunities, his current resurgence is an encouraging sign.
If he maintains this level, he could force his way back into the conversation at precisely the right moment.