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REAL MADRID

The reasons why Real Madrid are pushing for an Achraf return

Real Madrid are keen that the Moroccan international is part of the first team squad for the 2020/2021 season.

Update:
The reasons why Real Madrid are pushing for an Achraf return
INMA FLORESDIARIO AS

Real Madrid are anxious that 21-year-old Achraf Hakimi is part of the first team squad for the 2020/2021 season. The halt to the campaign as a result of the Covid-19 campaign has afforded the club an opportunity to look ahead to the composition of the squad for the forthcoming season.

Securing the return of the current Borussia Dortmund player who has been on loan in the Bundesliga for two years is a priority for the Bernabéu outfit with the player's current deal set to expire at the end of 2021. The club are anxious to renew his terms and avoid a situation where the defender would be free to negotiation with would be suitors come January should an extension not arise. Here are a few motives for the club's insistence that the Moroccan dons the famous white shirt next season.

Bundesliga stats

Achraf eased his way into the German top flight and quickly became a key figure for Dortmund coach Lucien Favre. In his first year with the German side, the Moroccan bagged three goals, delivered seven assists in 2,349 minutes of playing time with the 21-year-old being named Bundesliga Young Player of the month on two occasions. His second season was even more impressive as the right-back was on the score sheet seven times in his 2,900 minutes of first team action.

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Versatility

Achraf's ability to play in a series of positions is another of his strengths despite the right-back role being his natural position. He's played for the Moroccan national side on the left flank on a number of occasions with BVB boss Favre having used the player on both wings.

Eye for goal

Real Madrid have struggled to score in abundance since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, with neither Gareth Bale nor new season signing Luka Jovic stepping up to fill this void left by the Portuguese forward. Despite primarily playing in a right-back role, the Moroccan has an eye for goal and his ten goal haul this season in Germany would rank him as the second joint top scorer at Real Madrid level with Ramos and Rodrygo and trailing top marksman Benzema on 19 strikes.

Speed

Last December as Dortmund faced Leipzig, the player recorded a velocity of 36.2 km/h in a sprint which set a record in the German top flight and shaved the previously held record of 35.8km/h by FC Koln right-back Kingsley Ehizibue.

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Lars BaronBongarts/Getty Images

Youth

With Real Madrid currently having seven player aged 30 or more (Ramos, Nacho, Marcelo, Kroos, Modric, Bale and Benzema), the planning at the club is to inject youth into the side with the 21-year-old now having a wealth of top flight experience from his German experience and the Moroccan is very much seen as the natural successor to Dani Carvajal with the Spaniard now 28-years-old.