Zakaria El Ouahdi
HSV
Right Wingback
Balanced Full Back
Dec 31, 2001 (24)
Right
5'8"
146 lb
Assists as late sub
El Ouahdi assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Saturday's 1-0 victory over VfB Stuttgart.
Analysis: El Ouahdi assisted Miro Muheim in the final few minutes to win the game against Stuttgart 1-0. He returned having been out for the previous match, but had started three games in a row before this. This was his second chance created of the year, but his first goal involvement.
Available against Stuttgart
El Ouahdi (illness) is available for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Stuttgart after recovering from the illness that kept him out of last weekend's 3-2 win over Hoffenheim, according to coach Merlin Polzin.
Analysis: El Ouahdi missed Hamburg's victory over Hoffenheim due to illness but has recovered in time for Saturday's fixture. His absence forced David Moller Wolfe to operate in an unfamiliar right wing-back role, leaving Hamburg without one of their regular defensive options. The 24-year-old defender is now back in contention for a starting spot against Stuttgart, potentially allowing Moller Wolfe to return to his usual position.
Nearing return to team training
El Ouahdi (illness) is expected to resume individual training Tuesday and could return to full team training Wednesday after missing Saturday's 3-2 Bundesliga win over Hoffenheim, according to Hamburger Morgenpost.
Analysis: El Ouahdi missed the victory over Hoffenheim due to illness, forcing David Moller Wolfe to operate in an unfamiliar right wing-back role. The 24-year-old defender is making progress toward a return, with individual work planned for Tuesday before a potential return to full training Wednesday. If his recovery continues as expected, he could be back in contention for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Stuttgart, although his availability remains dependent on his participation in team sessions.
Remains out Saturday
El Ouahdi (illness) is not in the squad for Saturday's match against Hoffenheim.
Analysis: El Ouahdi misses out after dealing with a cold ahead of Saturday's matchup. Coach Merlin Polzin had left his availability dependent on how he felt on matchday, and Hamburg will now be without his attacking contributions and versatility on the right flank. The right-back joined from Genk over the summer after recording 20 goals and 13 assists across 116 competitive appearances for the Belgian club. This campaign, he featured four times, starting the last three games on the right flank, contributing two shots, six tackles and eight clearances for the Red Shorts.
Questionable with illness
El Ouahdi (illness) is dealing with a cold and is questionable for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Hoffenheim, coach Merlin Polzin said. "Zaka has a cold, and we're waiting to see how he's doing on Saturday."
Analysis: El Ouahdi is battling an illness that could prevent him from featuring in Saturday's matchup, with Hamburg expected to evaluate his condition on matchday before making a final decision. The right-back joined HSV from Genk over the summer after recording 20 goals and 13 assists across 116 competitive appearances for the Belgian club. His attacking contributions and versatility make him an important option on the right flank, though his involvement against Hoffenheim will depend on how quickly he recovers.
Transferred to HSV
El Ouahdi has signed with Hamburger SV from KRC Genk, according to the club. Sporting director Claus Costa said "With Zaka we are signing a very dynamic and offensively oriented full back whose energy and bold style of play fits excellently with our playing philosophy."
Analysis: El Ouahdi made 116 competitive appearances for Genk over three years, contributing 20 goals and 13 assists, including 11 in European competition, after rising through Belgium's lower divisions with Rupel Boom and RWDM before earning promotion to the top flight. The 24 year old right back featured once for Morocco at this summer's World Cup in the quarterfinal loss to France, his fourth cap for the country, and will wear the number 7 shirt as he becomes the second Moroccan in Hamburg's history alongside fellow summer signing Bilal Nadir.
Earns first World Cup cap
El Ouahdi generated one clearance in Thursday's 2-0 defeat versus France.
Analysis: El Ouahdi was welcomed onto the field for his first-ever World Cup minutes Thursday, playing 16 minutes from the bench. The defender did little in his time on the field, earning a clearance, drawing one foul while committing another and completing seven passes. He will hope for more time next World Cup, as Morocco is likely to make it again in 2030.
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