Rafik Zekhnini
Country: Norway/Morocco
Date of birth: 12/01/1998 (17 years old)
Place of birth: Skien (Norway)
Height: 179cm
Youth career: Herøya, Stridsklev, Odds BK (since 2014)
Senior career: Odds BK
Squad number: 15
Current national team: Norway U-19
Position: attacking midfielder, winger, second striker
Preferred foot: right
Market value (by transfermarkt.de): 500.000 €
Tournaments participated in: 2015 UEFA European Under-17 Championship elite round (2/0), UEFA Europa League 2015/2016 qualifying phase (4/0)
Contract until: 31.12.2017
Player’s agent: unknown
Similar type of player: Yevhen Konoplyanka
Strengths:
– pace 
– acceleration
– dribbling
– technique
– ball control 
– flair 
– first touch
– crossing
– ambidexterity 
Style of play:
– explosive winger
– likes to dribble
– able to play on both wings
– gets fouled often
– often uses his speed and skill to take on defenders
– able to score, cross and dribble comfortably with both feet
– holds good skill, pace and low center of gravity
– counter attack threat
– very unpredictable for his opponents
– often makes surging runs into penalty box
– often employs feints to beat opponents
– ability to threaten from outside of the 18-yard box
He is best suited to playing as:
Left winger in 4-3-3.
Video:
Achievements:
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League summary:
Tippeligaen 2015 (ongoing): 8 matches/2 goals (Odds)
Description:
Rafik Zekhnini is currently considered to be one of the biggest prospects in Norway. He made his professional debut for Odds on 12 July 2015, coming on as a second-half substitute for Håvard Storbæk in a 3-0 away defeat against Rosenborg BK. His name became more known to the world after the Europa League qualifier game against Borussia Dortmund, where he played a great game and caused issues to Mats Hummels and his teammates. After this game, Manchester United seemed interested in him, but the transfer did not occur. It cannot be ruled out that this matter will return in the future. He is a dual citizen and could play for Morocco in the future, but at the moment he is doing great in the youth Norway national teams.
Quotes:
“I cannot say where I’ll be in five years. I’m going to give everything, every day, so we’ll see where I end up. In my dreams, Manchester United top the wish list.”
(Rafik Zekhnini)
Football Talent Scout potential rating:
8/10 
First team material in a top European club.
Links: