El Aynaoui shines as Morocco's midfield leader, dominates McTominay in World Cup win
Match Report·20 June 2026·16h ago

El Aynaoui shines as Morocco's midfield leader, dominates McTominay in World Cup win

Source: Forza Roma

Neil El Aynaoui delivered a commanding display in Morocco's 1–0 victory over Scotland in World Cup action, establishing himself as a central figure in the North African nation's midfield. The Roma midfielder was omnipresent across the pitch, recording 98 touches with 95% passing accuracy while creating chances in the attacking third. He won 6 duels and 4 challenges, bringing defensive stability and intensity to Morocco's setup under coach Ouahbi. His performance included a gladiatorial physical contest with Scotland's McTominay in the first half—a challenge that left El Aynaoui bleeding from the mouth but undeterred—and another confrontation during a corner kick in the second half that resulted in a torn shirt.

El Aynaoui's form continues to catch attention as Morocco pursues qualification from Group C. The midfielder demonstrated strong understanding with fellow Moroccan talent Bouaddi, an 18-year-old from Lille who has been linked with Roma as a potential alternative in midfield recruitment discussions. Social media reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with supporters highlighting his work-rate and composure: one observer noted, "Miglior giocatore del Marocco nelle prime due partite. Facile da sottovalutare, impossibile da ignorare" (Best player for Morocco in the first two matches. Easy to underestimate, impossible to ignore).

El Aynaoui will return to action on June 25 in Morocco's final group match against Haiti. He was greeted by Roma supporters with chants of "Forza Roma!" upon his return to Fiumicino airport following the Scotland clash.

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Il centrocampista della Roma è stato assoluto protagonista della vittoria contro la Scozia, conquistando i tifosi per la voglia di lottare e non solo Marcello Spaziani 20 giugno - 09:59 El Aynaoui, ecco l'accoglienza dei tifosi a Fiumicino e il primo "Forza Roma!" In quella che è stata una nottata dolce-amara per il Mondiale romanista, c'è una stella che ha continuato a brillare più di tutte sotto il cielo americano. È quella di Neil El Aynaoui, che continua a convincere tutti al Mondiale con il suo Marocco. Nella vittoria per 1-0 contro la Scozia, che ha consentito ai nordafricani di balzare al secondo posto del gruppo C alle spalle ma a pari punti con il Brasile (4), il centrocampista della Roma è stato assoluto protagonista. Da provvidenziali recuperi difensivi a interessanti conclusioni e passaggi in zona offensiva, passando per una lotta da gladiatore con il 'napoletano' McTominay e per l'ottima sintonia con Bouaddi. Scegli tu cosa leggere: metti Forzaroma.info tra le tue fonti Google Un'altra prestazione difficile da ignorare: domina il centrocampoIl suo valore, soprattutto con la maglia del Marocco, non è mai stato in discussione. Se già contro il Brasile, all'esordio nel Mondiale americano, erano arrivati segnali più che incoraggianti, contro la Scozia è stato il momento della consacrazione. Al Boston Stadium di Foxborough Neil ha dominato il centrocampo, e i dati SofaScore lo confermano. Una prestazione totale, onnipresente in tutte le zone del campo, con 98 tocchi e una precisione passaggi pari al 95%. Praticamente la perfezione, o quella cosa che più ci si avvicina. Ma non solo: 7 passaggi nell'ultimo terzo di campo e una grande chance creata, oltre a tanta lotta e intensità. Sono infatti 6 i duelli e 4 i contrasti vinti, sintomo di un'aggressività a tutto campo che ha dato stabilità e carisma al Marocco del Ct Ouahbi. E sui social i tifosi sono pazzi per El Aynaoui: "Miglior giocatore del Marocco nelle prime due partite. Facile da sottovalutare, impossibile da ignorare. Raccoglie le palle vaganti, domina i contrasti, tempifica bene i suoi interventi e porta un vero controllo nella gestione del possesso", commenta un utente. "Non c'è solo il fenomeno Bouaddi e la sua crescita meteorica: Saibari, El Khannouss o El Aynaoui stanno già dimostrando che la nuova generazione marocchina arriva carica di talento", sottolinea un altro. Heat-Map Sofascore Dalla lotta da gladiatore con McTominay all'intesa con BouaddiOltre alle giocate e a un carisma fuori dal comune, El Aynaoui si è preso la copertina del match per quanto accaduto al 36' del primo tempo. Palla a McTominay che, a centrocampo, prova a dribblare il centrocampista del Marocco. Neil però non ci sta e si getta a terra per contrastare l'avversario, di Nazionale e di campionato, riuscendo a bloccare la ripartenza scozzese e a riconsegnare il possesso ai suoi compagni. Dopo qualche secondo a terra, El Aynaoui è costretto ad abbandonare momentaneamente il rettangolo verde a causa del sangue dal bocca. Nel secondo tempo, poi, un'altra lotta, questa volta in area in occasione di un calcio d'angolo. Il risultato? Maglia strappata e richiamo da parte dell'arbitro. Impossibile ignorare anche l'intesa con Bouaddi, talento 18enne del Lille e della nazionale marocchina e accostato anche alla Roma in caso di partenza di Koné. Un'intesa che permette a Neil di essere totalmente libero di agire e di muoversi in mediana, facendo forza su ritmo e intensità. A fine partita, poi, il saluto ricco di affetto e complicità con papà Younes, presente in tribuna a Boston. El Aynaoui tornerà in campo il 25 giugno contro Haiti, nell'ultimo match del girone per sigillare l'accesso ai sedicesimi. Caricamento post Instagram... What a game for Morocco's Neil El Aynaoui 😅Took a nasty knee from Scott McTominay in the first half that left him bleeding and playing on with a tissue in his mouth.Then had his shirt torn in the second half during a corner 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/sKJjMZL9vQ— World Sport (@_worldnexod) June 20, 2026 © RIPRODUZIONE RISERVATA Commenta Continua la lettura Calciomercato AS Roma Roma-Greenwood, trattativa nella fase decisiva: anche Ryan Friedkin in campo Calciomercato AS Roma Rinnovo Dybala, si cerca l'accordo economico: ecco la controproposta della Joya Calciomercato AS Roma Mercato, la Premier guarda alla Roma: rifiutate offerte per Wesley, Chelsea su Koné News AS Roma Stadio della Roma, RFI e Roma Natura richiedono integrazioni progettuali Commenti Invia Commento Tutti Leggi altri commenti

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