Manuel Pellegrini, the coach of Real Betis, chose not to start bde Ezzalzouli during his team’s last victory against Osasuna (2-1) in La Liga, to avoid a possible injury given the many minutes played by the latter at the start of the season and during his recent appearances with the Moroccan selection.
“I hope we can play this match without Ezzalzouli. He played a lot and participated in two matches with his national team. We did the same with Lo Celso, but he ended up getting injured with his national team, and I hope that doesn’t happen with Abde“, he said.
According to the Spanish press, Ezzalzouli is being followed by a La Liga club for a loan during the next winter transfer window, but Pellegrini does not wish to part with him. The coach considers him a key element of the team, especially as his level improves this season.
Abde Ezzalzouli has featured in 13 games this season for Betis, scoring 3 goals and providing an assist, whilst being a very troublesome player for opposing defences. His contract with the Andalusian club runs until 2028. Before joining Betis, Ezzalzouli had also played for Barcelona and Osasuna in La Liga.
In the national team, Ezzalzouli played 19 matches with the Moroccan team, scoring 2 goals. He also shone with the Moroccan Olympic team, with whom he won the U23 Africa Cup of Nations and won the bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Morocco
