Saiss Praises Aguerd: 'He is a Complete Central Defender and an Exceptional Person'

Veteran Moroccan defender Romain Saiss has lauded his national teammate Nayef Aguerd, highlighting his significant progress and tactical and physical development. Speaking to the French newspaper L'Equipe, Saiss said: "Hervé Renard used to call up talented young players, including Nayef Aguerd and Achraf Hakimi. I had heard about Nayef before when he was playing for FUS Rabat between 2014 and 2018 under coach Walid Regragui."

He added: "I tried to emulate what I saw with Medhi Benatia, because Nayef possesses many qualities and is an exceptional person. I believe he has improved in everything. He still has his strong left foot, but he uses it better now, with fewer risky passes."

Saiss continued: "He has developed tactical awareness and gained significant physical strength. Today, he is a complete central defender. He has also become a leader. This is not necessarily his natural inclination, but sometimes you have to step up, and he has started to do that."

Saiss further stated: "He must continue to express himself on the pitch, because he is an important central defender, and that cannot always come only from the captain. When you have something to say, you have to make your voice heard."

Saiss also recalled Aguerd's early days with the national team: "He arrived a bit hesitant, but he was eager to learn. It was clear that this young man wanted to develop further, despite the competition. When the veteran players retired, he started to come forward more, and our relationship strengthened. He was always asking for more."