Sofyan Amrabat’s performances for Morocco have received universal acclaim (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
Ray Parlour believes that Arsenal should sign Morocco stars Sofyan Amrabat and Azzedine Ounahi after their incredible run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals.
Morocco have unquestionably been the biggest story of the tournament, becoming the first African team in history to reach the semi-final stage of a World Cup.
Sadly for them, their great run came to an end on Wednesday night when they lost 2-0 to reigning champions France despite another fantastic display.
Walid Regragui’s side possess some very talented players, most notably PSG defender Achraf Hakimi and Chelsea attacker Hakim Ziyech, but it is some of the lesser known names that have really caught the eye in Qatar.
Midfield duo Amrabat and Ounahi have looked especially impressive, playing a big role in their side’s incredible defensive record at the finals.
Prior to the France game, Morocco had conceded just one goal in five games, an own goal against Canada, keeping clean sheets against European powerhouses Portugal, Spain, Croatia and Belgium.
Parlour thinks the pair would be a good fit at the Emirates, where Mikel Arteta may need some midfield reinforcements to help with Arsenal’s title charge.
Azzedine Ounahi was playing in France’s third-tier just 18 months ago (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
‘Ounahi, the No.8, he is different class. Would I take him at Arsenal? Definitely!’ the former Gunners midfielder told talkSPORT.
‘With that performance and what I’ve seen of him in this tournament, he’s not fazed by big games, the biggest game for his country maybe ever.
‘He just looked so comfortable, he was always on the half-turn and looking to probe and try to get balls in behind the full-backs.
‘Amrabat, he’s a player, too. If I was Arsenal I’d be looking at him. Central midfield, he can get his foot in. A very good player.
‘Morocco were very good. The way they pass the ball and move, they were excellent.’
26-year-old Amrabat is currently plying his trade at Fiorentina and, according to his agent, has already been attracting attention from Liverpool and Tottenham.
Ounahi’s contributions have perhaps gone a little more under the radar, but the 22-year-old who plays for Angers in Ligue 1 surely has a big future, and is staggeringly only valued at £3million.
MORE : Kylian Mbappe sends class message to Achraf Hakimi after France beat Morocco
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‘The way they pass the ball and move, they were excellent.’
