After an impressive campaign for Utrecht, Sofyan Ambrabat is now with Feyenoord and looking to make an impact in the Eredivisie champions midfield.
- By Michael Bell
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Born in the Netherlands with Moroccan parents, Amrabat joined the Utrecht academy at the age of 11 and made his first team debut in 2014 as a substitute against Vitesse. He switched back and forth between the first team and U21’s for the next two years but last season became a permanent member of Erik ten Hag’s squad.
He made 31 Eredivisie appearances last season and played a major role as Utrecht eased to fourth spot in the Eredivisie and reached the Europa League through the play-offs. He contributed seven assists and scored his first and final goal for the club in the play-off first leg against Heerenveen.
Early in the summer it became clear that Amrabat was set to depart Utrecht with Watford, who have his older brother Norbin in their squad interested. However, it was Feyenoord who swooped first and after paying around €4 million the Moroccan international sealed a move to De Kuip.
Style of play
A hugely talented midfielder, Amrabat is comfortable playing in the centre or in front of the defence. He has exceptional technique on the ball with his vision and passing ability a major asset to Utrecht last season. He is tall and elegant with the ball at his feet and seems to glide on the pitch at times as he strides forward. Amrabat is also tenacious when not in possession and is terrier like when trying to win the ball back.
Amrabat is versatile though, and popped up on the wing at times for Utrecht and was recently brought on to play right back as Feyenoord beat Vitesse in the KNVB Cup.
What to expect from Amrabat this season
With Tonny Vilhena and Karim El Ahmadi the first choice pairing int he Feyenoord midfielder, Amrabat may have to be patient and wait for chances from the bench. However, his talent is undeniable and his versatility offers Giovanni van Bronckhorst plenty of options in what will be a busy season ahead with Champions League football added to their title defence.
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