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Achraf Hakimi made his Real Madrid debut in the win over Espanyol and the Moroccan teenager could be the long-term successor to Dani Carvajal

By Rik Sharma For Mailonline

Published: 06:24 EST, 2 October 2017 | Updated: 07:47 EST, 2 October 2017




Achraf Hakimi made his debut for Real Madrid in their comfortable 2-0 win over Espanyol on Sunday, filling in for the illness-stricken Dani Carvajal.

The Moroccan defender put in a solid performance at the Santiago Bernabeu, but a lot of viewers might not know anything about him, given his quiet rise to the first team.

Sportsmail runs the rule over a player who few outside of Madrid or Morocco have ever heard of… Achraf Hakimi made his Real Madrid senior debut in the win over Espanyol on Sunday

So who is Achraf Hakimi?

Commonly known as Achraf, the 18-year-old is a Moroccan right back who has risen through the Real Madrid youth system to make his debut on Sunday against Espanyol.

He was born in Madrid to Moroccan parents and already has three senior caps for the African nation.

He has been at the club since 2006, joining as an eight-year-old. Achraf is the first ever Arabic player to represent Real Madrid.

 The 18-year-old has already earned three senior caps for the Moroccan national team


DOB: November 4, 1998, Madrid



Height: 5ft 10in

International caps: 3

International goals: 1

Why isn't he more well-known?

Given he didn't arrive at Real Madrid for big bucks or already having played elsewhere, it's no surprise that he's not a household name.

In the youth ranks all media attention tends to be focused on either Martin Odegaard, or Zinedine Zidane's sons - Achraf is actually good friends with Luca Zidane.

Also, as a defender, he's never given the same focus as talented young attackers like Borja Mayoral.

How did he fare on his debut?

On a couple of occasions he was caught short on the break after roaming forward, but on the whole he had a good debut before a very demanding set of fans.

Achraf's crossing was good and his speed was helpful as he raced back to steal the ball back to deny Espanyol a late goal.

'The coach phoned me yesterday and told me that I'd play today,' Achraf told reporters, fronting up to the media.

'He told me to remain calm during the game. I am very happy to make my debut at the best club (in the world). This is a day I will never forget.' The Moroccan teenager started ahead of the illness-stricken Dani Carvajal (left)

How good will he be?

Achraf has already made his debut for the Moroccan national team, and the speed he has is a huge asset. He can beat men one on one and is solid in defence.

They have been modelling him for years at Valdebebas as Carvajal's replacement, according to Spanish newspaper AS.

Whether he eventually will replace the Spaniard is anybody's guess, given how difficult it is to judge whether potential can be converted to actual ability. Real Madrid sold Danilo in the summer leaving no other back-up for Carvajal at the club

Does Zidane trust him?

Real Madrid were very happy to sell Danilo to Manchester City in the summer, leaving no other back-up for Dani Carvajal.

That certainly implies the coach believes Achraf can fill in for the Spanish defender, as he did against Espanyol.

Zidane also has the versatile Nacho available, although he was utilised at left back with both Marcelo and Theo Hernandez out injured.

'Achraf was so involved that he didn't give the sensation he was having his first game, he did spectacularly well,' said Zidane.

'If Dani is not with us, Achraf is the second full back and will play.' Zinedine Zidane praised the Madrid-born youngster as he was thrown in for a first-team debut

So will he stay in the team?

It certainly seems like it, but Zidane is no stranger to making comments which he then undermines with different choices on match-day.

Achraf is likely to play against Getafe in the next league game, but the real test will be the Champions League clash with Tottenham on October 17.

Zidane would be bold to pick him for that and it wouldn't be surprising to see Nacho used at rightback, with Hernandez back on the left, if available.

 
Real Madrid's Achraf Hakimi made his debut versus Espanyol









