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Brahim Diaz's decision to switch football allegiance to Morocco continues to make headlines in Spain. Spanish newspaper Marca claims Paris Saint-Germain winger Achraf Hakimi played a significant role in convincing Diaz to choose the Moroccan team.
Marca reports that the Royal Moroccan Football Association has a well-established network of scouts across Europe who monitor players with Moroccan descent. The association reportedly utilizes its diplomatic and political resources to assist in its efforts.
According to Marca, Diaz's case differs from other Moroccan recruits. While Luis de la Fuente supposedly considered calling him up for Spain, the Moroccan side's «work paid off».
The newspaper also highlights Rabie Takassa, the federation's scout in Spain, credited with influencing several players to choose Morocco, possibly including Achraf Hakimi. Takassa reportedly works «with a network of scouts across Europe».
For Morocco, Marca claims it's almost a national priority to retain players with Spanish ties. They view it as a victory when players don't abandon their Moroccan roots and choose to represent their ancestral homeland.
The newspaper mentions other players who opted for Morocco, including Adam Aznou, Salim El Jebari, and Rachad Fettal. Marca emphasizes Morocco's significant investment in youth talent through the Mohammed VI Academy. «There is a before and after in Moroccan football since the king decided to invest in football, especially in the academy that sponsors and trains teams and clubs», it noted.
