Neil El Aynaoui
Three tackles Thursday
El Aynaoui had one shot (zero on goal) in Thursday's 2-0 loss versus France.
Analysis: El Aynaoui had a rough day for Morocco as they exited the tournament, recording only a shot and three tackles while committing four fouls. This goes along with most of the midfielders' performances this tournament, earning a couple of solid bays in the defense while being the backbone of the midfield, although unable to get much going in the attack. That said, he heads home without a goal contribution at the World Cup.
Strong defensive output in win
El Aynaoui registered seven clearances and two interceptions in Saturday's 3-0 victory against Canada.
Analysis: El Aynaoui was forced to play a bit more defensively in this game, but that translated into the Roma midfielder setting a new tournament-high mark in clearances. El Aynaoui has started every game for Morocco in the World Cup and has gone the full 90 four times, so he should be one of the first names on the team sheet for the quarterfinals next week. Through five outings, he has six shots, three chances created, 12 clearances, 16 tackles and eight interceptions.
Misses opening penalty in shootout
El Aynaoui had one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Monday's 1-1 (4-3) penalty shootout victory against Netherlands.
Analysis: El Aynaoui played the full 120 minutes as Morocco managed to defeat the Netherlands on penalties. He created one chance in the game. He won two of his four tackles and made three clearances during the game. The midfielder took the first penalty and missed but Morocco were still able to claim victory and will now progress to play Canada.
Quiet outing Wednesday
El Aynaoui recorded one shot (one on goal) and one corner in Wednesday's 4-2 win against Haiti.
Analysis: El Aynaoui was on the field for 83 minutes against Haiti but was unable to get much work in the attack, only earning a shot. He would take a corner as well, although most of his work was in defense with two tackles and one interception. A starting spot is more than likely to stick for the midfielder in the knockouts, a solid holding midfielder for the team.
One shot Friday
El Aynaoui recorded one shot and a chance created in Friday's 1-0 win over Scotland.
Analysis: El Aynaoui started a second straight match Friday as Morocco took down Scotland, playing the full 90 and completing 77 passes, second most on the team. He would earn minimal work in the attack as he was mainly used in the defense, recording three interceptions and five tackles (three won). Morocco will push to win the group, so there is a good chance that he maintains his starting role to face Haiti.
Takes three shots in draw
El Aynaoui registered three shots (zero on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brazil.
Analysis: El Aynaoui was all over the midfield and was one of four Moroccan players who took at least three shots despite playing in midfield. El Aynaoui is a superb technical player, so he could be in line for a more attacking-minded role against Scotland and Haiti, two games in which Morocco figure to be more dominant in terms of possession.
Serviceable outing in Lazio tilt
El Aynaoui created two scoring chances and registered one cross (one accurate), three tackles (two won) and one corner in Sunday's 2-0 win against Lazio.
Analysis: El Aynaoui put together a nice two-way display while replacing Manu Kone (undisclosed) and teaming up with Niccolo Pisilli in the midfield in a more defensive look. His minutes in the last game will mostly depend on the starter's status. He has notched at least one key pass and one cross in his four appearances on the trot (three starts), totaling seven of each, with four accurate deliveries, one goal and one assist over that span. Additionally, this marked his third straight outing with one or more tackles, for a total of seven (three won).
Clears suspension
El Aynaoui completed a one-game disqualification in Monday's 4-0 win over Fiorentina
Analysis: El Aynaoui will likely return to a deputy role, as Manu Kone worked his way back from an injury, divvying up minutes also with Niccolo Pisilli. He has tallied four key passes, four crosses (two accurate) and four interceptions in his last five displays (three starts), scoring and assisting once in the same match.
Involved in two goals in Bologna game
El Aynaoui scored one goal and assisted once from one shot (one on target), four corners and two chances created in Saturday's 2-0 victory versus Bologna.
Analysis: El Aynaoui got the call over Stephan El Shaarawy to replace Lorenzo Pellegrini (thigh) and had his best performance of the season, combining with Donyell Malen on two goals, first feeding his teammate with a timely pass near the box, then heading it home from point-blank range on a soft cross. He's up to two goals and two assists in the season. His previous goal contributions dated back to late November. Paulo Dybala will also be in the mix at the position in the next few matches, while Manu Kone (thigh) shouldn't be far from returning. El Aynaoui has tallied four chances created, four crosses (two accurate) and four interceptions in his last five appearances (three starts).
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