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Abdellah Ouazane’s Ajax winner increases pressure on Morocco selection plans

Abdellah Ouazane’s superb late goal for Ajax Amsterdam has revived questions over how much football the 17-year-old should be given by Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi.

The attacking midfielder came off the bench to score in the 90th minute and three seconds of Ajax Amsterdam’s 2-0 Conference League victory over Atalanta Bergamo on Thursday.

Ouazane collected the ball on the right side of the penalty area before beating Raoul Bellanova. He then fired a powerful effort from a tight angle which struck the post before finishing under the crossbar.

The goal was the latest display of the teenager’s considerable potential and is likely to increase the scrutiny on his involvement when Morocco meet again for their November camp.

Ouazane made his first appearance for the senior national team during the October international break, but played only 15 minutes in the 2-0 win over Gabon.

He described that first experience with the national side as a “dream”.

However, he remained an unused substitute against Lesotho and was not brought on during the friendly against Mali. That approach frustrated some Morocco supporters, who were eager to see more of one of the country’s most highly rated young players.

Ouazane’s performance in Europe has therefore added to the debate over whether he should be given a greater role in the national team. But there are also reasons for caution.

Despite his ability, the midfielder has yet to establish himself as a regular starter for Ajax Amsterdam. He has made nine Eredivisie appearances this season, but has been named in the starting line-up for only two of them.

His limited involvement with Morocco also came during his first senior international gathering. Even gifted players need time to adapt to the demands of a manager, understand the team’s expectations and compete for a place with established players who have already proved themselves.

Ouazane’s goal underlined his quality, but does not necessarily mean the existing pecking order should be changed immediately. At 17, he still has significant time to develop and establish himself at both club and international level.

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