2012 : after a successful season with PSV Eindhoven, Zakaria Labyad played the Toulon Tournament with Morocco. In the south of France, Labyad distinguished himself as he netted a brace against Mexico.
Technically gifted, Labyad struggled to confirm the potential he showed in the early stages of his career. He has notably endured two difficult spells at Sporting Lisbon and Fulham.
To get his career back on track, the 24-year-old midfielder has decided to come back in Netherlands and has decided to join the club of his native city : FC Utrecht. A wise decision from the Morocco international (1 cap) who emerged as one of the best players in the Eredivisie since the start to the season.
Labyad has netted 7 goals and delivered 4 assists in 12 Dutch league games this season. He has notably grabbed the headlines few weeks ago when he scored a brace against the Europa League runners-up Ajax Amsterdam (2-1)
On the last week-end, Labyad shone again as he scored two goals against Sparta Rotterdam (3-1) . This performance can be a turning point in his international career as Labyad produced this fantastic display front of Mutsapha Hadji, the Morocco assistant head coach, who was in the stands to supervise him.
While his last international appearance was made on March 2015, Labyad has proved over the last months that he can force his way back into the Lions de l’Atlas squad.
Amayes Brahmi -
Credits photo : Voetbal International