Bennacer had said YES to Morocco, but asked for the A team

Saturday 04th January 2025 07:46 AM

Algeria Football– In a recent statement, Nasser Larguet, former national technical director (DTN) of Morocco, returned to the circumstances which led Ismaël Bennacer, key AC Milan player and Algerian international, to choose to represent Algeria rather than Morocco. This testimony sheds light on a significant episode in North African football, where binational talents are often at the heart of intense rivalries between nations.

A choice that seemed to work in favor of Morocco

Nasser Larguet has revealed that Bennacer, whose Moroccan origins could have linked him to the Atlas Lions, was initially inclined to play for Morocco. The former DTN explains:

“It was practically a given that he would come and play for Morocco. »

At the time, Bennacer, still young and on the rise, had shown real interest in the Moroccan national team project. However, a divergence of vision ultimately weighed in the balance.

A special request from Bennacer

According to Larguet, Bennacer wanted to be integrated directly into the Atlas Lions first team. But the Moroccan technician, keen to follow a structured progression for young talents, was clear with the player:

“He wanted me to tell him he would go straight into the first team. I told him that he would join the team gradually, like Hakimi. »

This plan, based on a gradual increase in power, did not convince Bennacer. Unlike Achraf Hakimi, who followed this path before becoming an indisputable member of Morocco, the Milan midfielder preferred another path.

The choice of Algeria, a decisive turning point

Faced with this response, Bennacer opted for Algeria, the country of his paternal origins. This decision proved successful, both for the player and for the Fennecs. Having become a pillar of the Algerian team, he played a decisive role in the Greens’ victory at CAN 2019, where he was voted best player of the tournament.

A regret for Morocco?

Nasser Larguet’s testimony underlines the intensity of the issues surrounding dual nationals. If Morocco saw Bennacer escape, it also knew how to capitalize on other talents, like Hakimi. However, this story illustrates to what extent the management of young talents can influence the trajectories of national selections.

Today, Bennacer shines under the colors of Algeria, while Morocco continues its development with a golden generation ready to take on the biggest challenges.