Chelsea: Ibrahim Rabbaj, the nugget that turned his back on England for Morocco

Ibrahim Rabbaj, this name probably does not say anything to you, but yet in England, he slowly begins to make his hole. This offensive midfielder for the 2009 generation has changed on the side of Chelsea from an early age. Born in London from Moroccan parents, the 16 -year -old has distinguished himself in recent months with his team and the videos of his performances already go around the Internet. Small template, left -handed, dribbler, Ibrahim Rabbaj was quickly compared to Lionel Messi. And it must be said that his level in the young categories of Chelsea bluff everyone.

Author of 52 goals and 60 assists in 40 games with the U16s of the Blues according to the English press, Rabbaj was quickly talked about. Followed by other English clubs in his youth and in particular Crystal Palace, he ended up spinning in Chelsea during the Covid. And since then, he has crushed everything in his path. “There are already many comparisons with Messi. It is small and evolves in the middle or outside right. Rabbaj likes to create, pass, make things happen and mark. He is excellent in one against one and his favorite work is to cut from the right side, on his left foot and to find the opposite lower corner of the net. Dare to say it, but a bit like Cole Palmer and the old legend of Chelsea Arjen Robben. Despite its small size, Ibrahim uses its physical strength well ”explained The Sun about the young talent of 16 years last October while Sport Bible wrote: “Chelsea thinks of having a talent up to Lamine Yamal and Endrick after a superb compilation of the 15 -year -old young man has become viral”.

Ibrahim Rabbaj finally wants to play for Morocco

Quickly summoned with the U16 of England, outclassed in U18 with Chelsea (2 goals on its 2 games), Ibrahim Rabbaj had everything to become the new darling of English football especially when leaving the Chelsea academy renowned for forming many English internationals (Reece James, Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, Levi Colwill…). But everything did not go as planned for Three Lions. Coveted by England for the rest of his career, the player also had contacts with Morocco his country of origin and that of his parents. The Atlas Lions had serious arguments and have shown in the past that they were able to attract great players. This will still be the case this time since Ibrahim Rabbaj finally decided to opt for Morocco now despite the advances of England.

Convened with the U17 of Morocco recently, the player took advantage of the rally of the last days to announce to Moroccan radio (Radio Mars) and in a perfect Arab that he now wanted to play in the Moroccan jersey.“I played for England, but now I want to play for Morocco. Inch'Allah, I will participate in the U17 African Cup (next March), we will win and make our country proud. I want to mark and be decisive, show my game and win the CAN. »» A choice that does not really go to England since the English federation is always pressure to make it change its mind. While he should sign his first professional contract at his 17th anniversary, Ibrahim Rabbaj should continue to be talked about. It remains to be seen if he will succeed in confirming his potential.