Achraf Hakimi is on a high after scoring his first and second goal in the UEFA Champions League last night. Lucien Farve surprising opted to use the Moroccan in a free-roam left wing role, and the decision paid dividends. It was the first time Achraf had been placed in an advanced role, but he looked comfortable, confident, and particularly dangerous with his freighting speed. After his two goal haul, reporters after the match inevitably asked about his development at Dortmund and potential return to Real Madrid:
“I will not forget tonight. These were my first UCL goals. If I must choose one, then it’s the first. I have grown as a player since I arrived in Germany. I am having a lot of continuity and have been given confidence. It’s showing,” he commented.
Achraf was later asked if he had been in contact with Zidane for which he replied, “There will be time to talk to Zidane later. He is focused in his own work right now & I’m very focused here. It wouldn’t be a disappointment or failure not to return to Madrid in the summer, what I want is to continue growing.”
The fullback, and now occasional winger, has admitted before that he would love a return to Madrid, but knows it’s not completely up to him. “Returning to Madrid is not up to me. Both the clubs have to talk and they will decide by the end of the year. I’m not worried seeing Real Madrid in LaLiga, they have to improve and be patient,” he told reporters.
Achraf’s versatility certainly works in his favor as he can play at either right back, left back, or as a winger on either side. Those attributes likely have not gone unnoticed by Zidane and the club. Madrid have a plethora of strong talent at the fullback position and it will be interesting to see what ultimately happens with Achraf Hakimi and his potential return to Real Madrid.