Achraf Hakimi is expected to be at the centre of Morocco’s attacking plans when they face the Netherlands in their World Cup Round of 32 clash, with the Paris Saint-Germain full-back identified as the key threat in what is shaping up to be a finely balanced encounter.
The Netherlands arrive into the knockout tie having scored 10 goals during the group stage, underlining their attacking strength.
However, defensive inconsistency remains a concern, with the European side conceding in each of their recent matches.
That contrast has added extra tension to a fixture that pits one of Europe’s most productive attacks against one of Africa’s most resilient teams.
For Morocco, Hakimi’s influence on the right flank is expected to be decisive.
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has singled out the Moroccan defender as a major danger, reflecting the growing recognition of his impact at the highest level of international football.
The analysis is also supported by external reporting, including Le Figaro, which highlights Hakimi’s ability to stretch defences, create overloads, and provide a constant attacking outlet from deep positions.
His role is seen as one of the defining tactical factors in Morocco’s approach to the game.
Hakimi’s importance is not only in attack. His defensive work rate and recovery pace also give Morocco balance, particularly against a Netherlands side averaging 2.4 goals in their last five matches.
His ability to transition quickly from defence to attack makes him central to Morocco’s game plan as they look to exploit space behind the Dutch back line.
There are also concerns for Morocco elsewhere in defence, with Nayef Aguerd and Adam Masina both listed as doubtful ahead of the match.
That uncertainty places even greater emphasis on organisation and structure as they prepare to contain a Dutch attack featuring several high-profile forwards.
Projected line-ups suggest Morocco could set up in a 4-2-3-1 system, with Hakimi joined by Romain Saïss, Nayef Aguerd, Noussair Mazraoui, Sofyan Amrabat, Neil El Aynaoui, Brahim Díaz, Ismael Saibari, Bilal El Khannouss and Youssef En-Nesyri.
The Netherlands are expected to respond with a 4-3-3 formation, including Denzel Dumfries, Matthijs de Ligt, Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Aké, Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong, Tijjani Reijnders, Donyell Malen, Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo.
With Morocco continuing to carry African hopes in the knockout stages, much of their ambition will rest on Hakimi’s ability to influence the game at both ends of the pitch.
