Bilal El Khannouss, a 20-year-old Moroccan football sensation, has emerged as a beacon of hope for Leicester City during a challenging season. Signed from Genk in August for a substantial £21 million, El Khannouss has quickly established himself as a crucial player under the management of Ruud van Nistelrooy, who took over the reins in November. Despite Leicester's overall struggles, El Khannouss has consistently delivered impressive performances, earning accolades for his remarkable technical skills and ability to read the game.
El Khannouss has already made 18 appearances for the Morocco national team, showcasing his talent on an international stage. His transition to the Premier League has been seamless, as he has started every game for Leicester since joining the team. In a season marred by difficulties, El Khannouss stands out as one of the few positives for the club, contributing two goals and one assist in 20 Premier League matches. His ability to adapt quickly to the rigors of English football has impressed both fans and coaches alike.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, Leicester City's manager, has been vocal in his praise for El Khannouss, describing him as a "top talent" with a bright future. Drawing comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne, who also honed his skills at Genk, El Khannouss has been lauded for his technical class and fast footwork. Van Nistelrooy emphasized the young player's potential by stating:
"I think you're going to see a lot more of him with his age and profile."
"His potential is there to be a top player in the Champions League. He can go a long way."
Miguel Ribeiro, who played a key role in El Khannouss's development at Genk, highlighted the player's ability to perform under pressure and take risks on the field. According to Ribeiro:
"He never has a problem to play under pressure. He never hides."
"He is not afraid to take risks and he almost always plays forward."
El Khannouss's vision and awareness on the pitch have earned him a reputation for making key passes and finding spaces between the lines. Ribeiro further elaborated on El Khannouss's unique qualities:
"He finds good spaces between the lines and sees the game very fast."
"We did a lot of shooting with him. Not shooting with power, but always going to the corners."
Leicester City's young star has also been instrumental in their ongoing relegation battle, scoring crucial goals that have kept the team's hopes alive. His winning goal against Tottenham Hotspur stands out as a testament to his impact on the squad. Coaches and teammates have described El Khannouss as a "joy to watch" and a "joy to work with," reflecting his positive attitude and work ethic both on and off the field.
Ribeiro recalled El Khannouss's training sessions at Genk with fondness:
"The way you are seeing him play for Leicester is the way he trained here with us. Always happy, with a big smile, working hard."
"I used to tell people that he had eyes in his back, because he sees everything."
El Khannouss's journey from Genk to Leicester City highlights his determination and skill, earning him recognition as one of football's rising stars. His ability to read the game and execute precise passes under pressure has drawn comparisons to some of the sport's greatest players. As he continues to develop and refine his skills, El Khannouss appears destined for greater achievements on both domestic and international stages.
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