Morocco did not exactly impress in terms of their actual quality of play, but they turned up the heat in the second half and were clinical in the final third, winning 3-0 over Canada to punch their ticket to the World Cup quarterfinals for a second straight tournament. And Real Madrid attacker Brahim Diaz was one of the main protagonists, sealing the deal with two classy assists, making it four in five games in the World Cup this year.
Brahim's big performances this summer come at a time when his future at Real Madrid has been in doubt. He played decently well again last season, but Brahim does not have the pure quality of a No. 10 to play over Arda Guler, and he is very clearly not a good enough athlete for the right wing in Madrid.
Yet Jose Mourinho, despite huge interest from Juventus and Luciano Spalletti, wants to stick with Brahim Diaz for the summer and see how he does with him as coach of Real Madrid before deciding his future. And Brahim obviously wants to stay and compete at the club.
Brahim Diaz is at a high point in his value
It is a tougher question from a front office perspective, though. Because Real Madrid know Brahim is not good enough. He is a useful squad player, but Real could get the same production against lower level teams as a bench option from an academy prospect who has more upside from a 26 year old who already proved for both AC Milan and Real Madrid that he is never going to be an elite player.
But since Brahim is racking up big numbers for Morocco at the World Cup and feasting on competition well below what he usually faces for Madrid, Los Blancos could cash in big time and ask for more money from Juve or another club with Brahim positioned as a World Cup hero deep into the knockout stages for Morocco.
Aside from coming up big with these assists, which have been fairly easy for a player at a top European club to make, Brahim has done nothing really. His dribbling ability, ball progression, and overall influence on the game are totally non existent. He is a moment's player, as ever, and Real Madrid have better versions of those guys.
If Real are smart, they will set aside warm fuzzy feelings and sell Brahim at a high point in his value. It is wise for Jose Mourinho to want a personal look first, and keeping Brahim, who works hard for the team and can create chances, is not the worst thing in the world. But Mou and Madrid should be ruthless and accept a great offer if it comes.
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