Noussair Mazraoui
Man UtdLB (CB)
Possession Builder
Nov 14, 1997 (28)
Right
6'0"
139 lb
Four clearances at center-back
Mazraoui generated one tackle (zero won), four clearances and one interception in Thursday's 2-0 defeat to France.
Analysis: Mazraoui was placed at center-back on Thursday as Anass Salah-Eddine was handed the start at left-back, playing the full 90 minutes. He would record a tackle, one interception and four clearances in the defense despite allowing two goals. He departs the World Cup with five starts in six appearances, notching two interceptions, 14 tackles, 34 clearances and two clean sheets.
Makes 10 clearances in win
Mazraoui recorded an inaccurate cross, 10 clearances and two tackles in Saturday's 3-0 victory against Canada.
Analysis: Mazraoui was busy defensively and didn't pose much of a threat going forward, but he continues to deliver value as a reliable two-way presence for Morocco. This was his second consecutive game in which he had double-digit clearances. Expect him to remain in the lineup for the quarterfinals next week, though his fantasy upside will be tied to the opponent the Atlas Lions will face.
Incredible defensive display
Mazraoui registered five tackles (four won), 12 clearances and one interception in Monday's 1-1 (4-3) penalty shootout victory over Netherlands.
Analysis: Mazraoui had a tremendous defensive display which saw Morocco progress to the round of 16 where they will face Canada, following a win on penalties over the Netherlands. The left-back played the full 120 minutes, but was not required to take a penalty. He won four fo five tackles, having only attempted five in the three games before that. He also made 12 clearances, more than the eight that he had made in the three appearances before this altogether.
Another start at right-back
Mazraoui recorded one interception and three clearances in Friday's 1-0 win over Scotland.
Analysis: Mazraoui was on the left flank of the defense again on Friday but was not too involved, only forced to make a few stops in the defense as Morocco earned a clean sheet. He would remain on the pitch for the full 90, proving to be fit after some concerns to start the World Cup. With two starts in two games, he will likely look to start again as Morocco looks to top the group.
Makes five tackles in draw
Mazraoui registered one cross (zero accurate) and five tackles in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brazil.
Analysis: Mazraoui had to deal with the threat of Raphinha, so he was understandably busy defensively and not doing much moving forward. The Manchester United full-back is expected to remain on the left side of the defense as long as he stays fit, but he should have more fantasy appeal in the upcoming match against Scotland on June 19.
Starting as expected
Mazraoui (shoulder) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash with Brazil.
Analysis: Mazraoui is back in the starting XI as expected for Saturday's clash. He was always likely to play and it appears he passed all the late fitness checks to get back in the team. He will be in for a long day as he and Morocco try to shut down the excellent attack of Brazil to open Group C.
Likely for opener
Mazraoui (shoulder) is a likely option for Saturday's match against Brazil, according to manager Mohamed Ouahbi, per Chaimae Bouaichi of Morocco World News. "[Noussair] took part in the previous training session. We still have another session after this one, and then we will make a decision. Overall, he is fine. All the players are ready and can play."
Analysis: Mazraoui is on the mend heading into his country's World Cup opener, as the defender was back in training Friday. That said, his availability was reinforced by. his maangers statements, appearing to be ready to face Brazil in the highly anticipated Group C opener. He is likely to serve on the left of the defense in the starting XI if deemed fit, so this is a major storyline to watch. However, many concerns have been raised, as he now seems more than likely to play.
Trains fully Thursday
Mazraoui trained in full on Thursday and is expected to start Morocco's World Cup opener against Brazil on Saturday, completing his recovery from the shoulder contusion he sustained during the Norway friendly, the federation posted.
Analysis: Mazraoui had been carefully assessed by Morocco's medical team after landing awkwardly on his shoulder during the 1-1 draw against Norway, but his full return to collective training is the clearest sign yet that he will be available from the first whistle at the MetLife Stadium. The Atlas Lions will be relieved to have their first-choice left-back fully fit after the double blow of losing Nayef Aguerd (pubalgia) and Ez Abde (knee) to injury ahead of what promises to be one of the most anticipated group stage fixtures of the entire tournament.
Could return for opener
Mazraoui has returned to training after working in the gym as a precaution following a shoulder injury sustained in the Norway friendly, and could be available for Morocco's World Cup opener against Brazil on Saturday, according to Manchester United.
Analysis: Mazraoui landed awkwardly on his shoulder during the 1-1 draw against Norway but has been carefully assessed by Morocco's medical team and retained in the squad, unlike teammates Nayef Aguerd (pubalgia) and Ez Abde (knee) who have been replaced. The Manchester United left-back is expected to be one of the first names in coach Mohamed Ouahbi's starting lineup and the Atlas Lions will be relieved to have their key defensive option available for what promises to be one of the most anticipated group stage fixtures of the entire tournament at the MetLife Stadium.
Returns to full training
Mazraoui (shoulder) returned to full team training Tuesday with no apparent discomfort, allaying any remaining concerns over the shoulder contusion he sustained during Sunday's friendly against Norway, according to Le360Sport.
Analysis: Mazraoui had been forced off during the 1-1 draw against Norway following a collision, but his participation in the collective session is the clearest sign yet that the injury poses no threat to his availability for Morocco's World Cup opener against Brazil. The left-back is expected to be one of the first names in coach Mohamed Ouahbi's starting lineup throughout the tournament, and his return to full training gives the Atlas Lions the reassurance they needed heading into one of the most high-profile group stage fixtures of the entire competition.
Suffers shoulder contusion
Mazraoui suffered a shoulder contusion following a collision during Sunday's 1-1 draw against Norway and was forced off, but coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed the injury is not a serious concern and that the defender should be available for Morocco's World Cup opener against Brazil, according to Lions de L'Atlas.
Analysis: Mazraoui is expected to be Morocco's first-choice left-back throughout the tournament and the reassuring update from the coaching staff puts any concerns about his availability firmly to rest. The minor nature of the contusion means no significant recovery time is needed, giving the Atlas Lions confidence that one of their most important defensive options will be ready for the biggest game of their World Cup preparations.
Forced off with injury
Mazraoui was forced off due to injury in the 29th minute of Sunday's friendly against Norway, according to ESPN.NL.
Analysis: Mazraoui would need to come off the field early Sunday as he played in a friendly ahead of the World Cup, leaving fans concerned he could be missing time during the tournament. Not much has been released on his condition, but the hope will be that it is only a minor injury and he was removed due to caution. He is slated to be a starting left-back during the tournament, so this would be a major blow, leaving Youssef Belammari as a possible replacement.
Season high three chances created
Mazraoui had four tackles (three won), five clearances and one interception in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Sunderland.
Analysis: Mazraoui was handed the start ahead of Diogo Dalot at right-back and made an impact at both ends of the pitch. Defensively, he led his side with four tackles (three won) along with five clearances and one interception. Going forward, he was also effective, creating a season-high three chances after not registering any since December, surpassing his total of just two chances created in the league this season in a single match.
Clears illness
Mazraoui cleared his illness and will join the Moroccan squad for international duty, according to the club.
Analysis: Mazraoui missed Friday's clash against Bournemouth due to illness, but the defender appears to have fully shaken it off after linking up with the Moroccan squad for international duty. His availability is a positive for both club and country, even if he has mostly been working as a bench piece lately for the Red Devils.
Out against Bournemouth
Mazraoui (illness) is not in the squad for Friday's clash with Bournemouth.
Analysis: Mazraoui will sit out at least one game while he recovers from his illness, with Diogo Dalot retaining the right-back spot. The Morocco international has seen limited minutes lately, but his absence hurts the team's depth in the last contest before the international break.
Battling illness
Mazraoui is dealing with an illness and is now questionable for Friday's match against Bournemouth, according to manager Michael Carrick. "[Noussair] is just ill. He just wasn't feeling too good today."
Analysis: Mazraoui is looking to be a late call for Friday, needing to test himself to pay after picking up an illness. He will have a few days to recover and will attempt to get back into training ahead of Friday's match, possibly clearing him of his issues. He has been more of a rotation defender this season, so even if he misses out, this will be a minor loss, likely only earning a bench spot if fit.
Fit for bench
Mazraoui (foot) is on the bench for Sunday's match against Aston Villa.
Analysis: Mazraoui was back in training this week, and that has led to the defender's return from a foot injury, fit enough to find a spot on the bench. With seven starts in 15 appearances this season, he will likely remain more of a rotational player moving forward.
Training Wednesday
Mazraoui (foot) was back in training Wednesday ahead of Sunday's match against Aston Villa, according to his club.
Analysis: Mazrouzi is on the mend this week after a foot injury in the club's most recent outing, appearing to be healing quickly after already joining training. This brings confidence that he could be in line for a return come Sunday. He has been more of a rotational option this campaign, but did start in their last match, with seven starts in 15 appearances this season.
Picks up late injury in loss
Mazraoui struggled to walk after being subbed off in the 85th minute of Wednesday's match against Newcastle and could be dealing with an injury, Isabel Ryan of StrettyNews.com reports.
Analysis: Mazraoui suffered a stomp at some point during the game, suggesting he could have ended up with a blow. However, his status is uncertain ahead of the March 15 meeting with Aston Villa. In case he fails to recover, his spot could be covered by either Diogo Dalot or Tyrell Malacia, both of whom came off the bench against Newcastle.
Selected for bench
Mazraoui (international duty) is on the bench for Sunday's match against Arsenal.
Analysis: Mazraoui was uncertain for Sunday after returning from AFCON, but he is an option, fit for a bench role. This is his first time on the team sheet in over a month due to his time with Morocco. He has started in six of his nine appearances while going unused once in a while, serving in a bit more of a rotational role.
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