'He deserves this opportunity' - How En Nesyri's Al Ittihad form earned Morocco recall

In some ways, Youssef En Nesyri faced an almost impossible task: having to fill the boots left by Karim Benzema from last February, when Al Ittihad’s title-winning captain made the shock switch to Al Hilal in February.

So, with the champions already in the midst of a difficult defence when En Nesyri arrived, the Moroccan often bore the brunt of fans' frustrations, whether warranted or not.

Six goals in 13 appearances is not a bad return for a striker, but at Al Ittihad, more is always expected. Undoubtedly, En Nesyri concluded his first half year in the Kingdom fully aware that this season needed to be better.

After scoring in the opening round of the 2026-27 Roshn Saudi League against Al Kholood, the Morocco international went four games without adding another, which prompted another round of grumbling from some sections of the fan base.

That, in turn, prompted a strong response from his new Al Ittihad manager, Jens Wissing.

“Youssef En Nesyri is one of my best players,” the German declared. “He has been one of the best since I arrived, and I don’t care what the media and the public say about him. 

“He may not be scoring much, but he puts in a high-level and excellent performance.”

That unwavering support from his manager must have flicked a switch in the 29-year-old, who then went on a run of six goals in four matches across September and October, repaying the faith shown by Wissing.

So En Nesyri’s seven goals in 11 RSL outings this season, on paper, looks similar to last term. However, the top-line numbers tell only half the story.

In having to share the striking role with red-hot Nigeria starlet George Ilenikhena, En Nesyri has been limited to 664 minutes through the league campaign, which puts his goals per 90 minutes at 0.95, compared to 0.52 in 2025-26.

With Al Ittihad’s overall on-field performance improving on last season, also, the Jeddah giants are also generating more opportunities - and En Nesyri is the one benefitting most from that.

The Morocco international leads the way for shots this season at Al Ittihad (27), which with his 664 minutes of game-time, equates to 3.66 per 90. That’s up from 1.82 last term.

But it’s not simply his work in attack that has impressed Wissing. There was a moment late in Al Ittihad’s win against champions Al Nassr in September where, with the hosts at Alinma Stadium 2-1 up, En Nesyri rushed back deep into stoppage-time to break up the attack and help close out the win.

It was that selfless effort, rather than anything he did in attack, that won praise from Wissing afterwards.

“The football we want to play is based on the team; everyone defends and everyone scores goals,” the Al Ittihad manager said.

“You saw what Youssef En Nesyri did in the 92nd minute when he tracked back, won the ball and saved the team from a near-certain goal - that is the kind of behaviour we want to see.”

As it turns out, it is also the kind of attitude his Morocco national team coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, wanted to see as well.

With important 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers this international window against Niger - the first takes place in Casablanca on Friday - Ouahbi recalled En Nesyri for the first time since January.

“We have been constantly monitoring him, like all other players, since day one,” Ouahbi said.

“We have followed all his matches with Al Ittihad, whether in the AFC Champions League, the cup, or the league. We make sure to watch his matches every week.

“We see that En Nesyri's characteristics can add value to us, especially against a team like Niger.

“I believe he is capable of adding value to the national team, and this is the right time to call him up. He deserves this opportunity, and we are very happy to have him on the list.”

It might’ve been a slow burn since he arrived in Jeddah but, at last, En Nesyri’s true value is shining through.