Walid Regragui openly admits that the search for the ideal partner for Nayef Aguerd in central defense is still ongoing, emphasizing that no player has succeeded so far in establishing themselves in this critical position, and that all names remain candidates whether from Europe, the domestic league, or even the Gulf leagues.
In a press conference on Thursday, the national coach stated: “In defense, I can’t lie; so far, I haven’t found the right combination. No player has managed to assert themselves alongside Nayef, so the door remains open for everyone.”
Regarding Omar El Hilali, Regragui clarified: “To settle the matter, El Hilali is not a central defender. He was developed as a right winger before being converted to a fullback. He has only played once as a central defender in a three-man defense, so that solution is not feasible for me.”
He concluded by saying: “We’re not at a stage where I can take risks with patchwork solutions, especially three months before the Africa Cup of Nations. Whoever partners with Aguerd must be a genuine central defender, not a fullback. Overall, I don’t have major concerns regarding the current season.”
