El Aynaoui is the name. My Word!
While everyone was understandably talking about Bouaddi after the game against Brazil, the player who genuinely stole my attention was El Aynaoui.
My word, what a midfielder.
He was absolutely everywhere. One minute he was helping the defence, the next he was receiving under pressure and progressing the ball through midfield. The amount of ground he covered was ridiculous.
What impressed me most wasn't even his energy levels. It was the way he controlled the rhythm of the game. He looked like the conductor of the midfield, constantly demanding the ball and dictating play, very similar to how Joรฃo Neves operates for PSG. Every attack seemed to flow through him.
At 24 years old and already playing for Roma, I honestly think he's flying under the radar. People talk about profiles, balance and control in midfield, but El Aynaoui ticks so many of those boxes.
In fact, if a club is looking for a replacement or alternative to Mateus Fernandes, I'd point them straight towards El Aynaoui. And before people get angry, I'll say it anyway: I think El Aynaoui is the better passer. His ball circulation, weight of pass and ability to move the opposition around stood out massively against Brazil.
Some midfielders dominate games with flashy skills. Others dominate with intelligence, positioning and decision-making. El Aynaoui falls into that second category.
The Bouaddi hype is deserved, but El Aynaoui left that match with me asking one question:
Why aren't more people talking about him?