Reda Laalaoui: Morocco’s Rising Midfield Star with Top European Potential by Lions Talk
Full name in native alphabet: رضا لعلاوي
Country: Morocco
Date of birth: 11 May 2005 (19)
Height: 1.90 m
Youth career: FUS academy
Current club: FUS Rabat
Squad number: 10
Current national team: Morocco U-20
Main position: Central midfielder
Other positions: Defensive midfielder / Attacking midfielder
Body type: Mesomorph
Preferred foot: Right
Similar type of player: Jude Bellingham
Market value (by http://transfermarkt.de): €200k
Tournaments participated in: UNAF U20
Contract until: 2026
Player’s agent: MY ELEVEN CONSULTING
Transfer rumors: —
Introduction:
North Africa is renowned for its technical skills, flair, and beautiful football, and Morocco’s Botola League, the country’s top division and home to recent World Cup semi-finalists, is no exception. But despite the national team’s success, the league has long been criticized for its lack of opportunities for youth players and the decline of club academies. While the Mohammed VI Academy has made notable contributions in recent years, the overall system has struggled to offer young talent a fair chance.
However, this season marks a turning point. The 2024-25 campaign has seen the highest number of U21 players featured in Botola’s history. Some of these youngsters have not only made their mark but have emerged as standouts in their respective positions, showcasing remarkable quality at such a young age. Among them are Mouad Dahak, Mohamed Amine Katiba, and Reda Laalaoui.
Biography:
Reda Laalaoui is a true FUS product, having joined the club at U14 after being scouted at regional youth tournaments in Morocco. Since his early days, Reda has become a well-known figure in Rabat’s youth football scene. His standout performances in school regional tournaments made him hard to overlook, especially due to his height and footballing ability.
Growing up in Rabat, the most obvious choice for a talented player like Reda would have been AS FAR, one of the country’s big three clubs. AS FAR, a highly popular and financially stable club, seemed like the natural destination. However, Reda chose FUS Rabat instead—a club that, while not wealthy, is well-run with a solid academy and a less pressurized environment due to its lower profile. It was here, in the white and red of FUS, that Reda focused on his future and development—and looking back, it was certainly the right decision.
By the age of 18, Reda had already started numerous matches in the top-tier league, even scoring a last-minute winner against giants Wydad Casablanca. FUS immediately recognized his potential and secured him with a new contract extension, turning down several offers from European clubs last summer. They decided Reda would stay in Morocco for another season before making the move to Europe.
Despite a rocky start to the season with a new coach who initially didn’t seem to favor him, and a difficult phase for the club, Reda gradually became more influential. The team, which had been struggling near the relegation zone, started improving as Reda gained more playing time. The coach recognized the importance of trusting him, and Reda did not disappoint. He started the final seven matches, contributing 3 goals and 2 assists—an impressive tally for a central midfielder. Now, FUS sits 3rd in the table, just two points off second place, and Reda has undoubtedly been a key factor in their turnaround.
Playing Style:
Reda is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder known for his exceptional off-the-ball movement, whether his team is in or out of possession. When his team is out of possession, he works tirelessly, covering large areas of the pitch and winning numerous duels thanks to his long stride, powerful physique, and aggressive playing style. In possession, Reda shows a keen ability to make late, unmarked runs from deep and finish with precision. Despite his box-to-box role, he was the top scorer for the Morocco U20 national team last season, largely due to his intelligent positioning and well-timed bursts into the box.
1. Defensive Play
Very present in midfield when his team is out of possession, thanks to his long stride and physical presence.
Good pressing ability with high stamina; runs tirelessly and covers a lot of ground.
Strong and aggressive in duels, not easily dribbled past in 1v1 situations with good tackling ability.
Very dominant in aerial duels thanks to his 1.90 m height; useful in defending against crosses and set pieces.
Excellent positioning to close passing lanes and win second balls for his team.
2. Offensive Play
Good passing ability with both short and long passes.
Can read space and break lines with intelligent and precise passes.
Not the best dribbler but has good dribbling ability under pressure, though he doesn’t show it often; when he does, it’s effective.
Excellent at making runs behind defenders; can read space and attack it well to receive passes or pull defenders to open up space for teammates.
A goal-scoring midfielder who makes countless runs into the box to receive crosses or second balls and finish.
A real threat in set pieces.
3. Transitional Play
Used to counter-attacks due to FUS’s style of play. Immediately after helping to win the ball, he looks to switch play.
Positions himself quickly and asks for the pass after recovering the ball to initiate fast counter-attacks.
Smart and well-timed runs into the box, creating numerous options to finish attacks.
4. Character & Personality
A vocal and charismatic player with strong leadership qualities.
A supportive and team-oriented individual with a positive character, making him a valuable presence in the dressing room.
Fluent in Arabic and French, with a good command of English.
Well-developed tactical awareness.
5. Areas to Improve
Should contribute more actively to the build-up phase.
Needs to drive forward with the ball more frequently to add dynamism to his game.
Has good dribbling ability but should use it more often and with more confidence in one-on-one situations.
Despite being a goal-scoring midfielder, most of his goals come from headers inside the box—developing his long-range shooting would make him a more complete attacking threat.
Can be overly aggressive in duels at times, which may lead to unnecessary fouls.
Though he has scored some goals with his left foot and shows decent ability with it, he rarely uses it. Developing confidence with both feet would greatly enhance his versatility in various situations.
Videos:
Summary of his performances last season:
Summary of his UNAF tournament with Morocco U20:
Conclusion:
Reda Laalaoui is a midfielder with a highly intriguing profile: physically strong, with a commanding presence in midfield and exceptional off-the-ball movement. He covers a lot of ground, wins numerous balls and duels, and scores frequently. While he could benefit from becoming more confident with the ball at his feet, he is currently more suited for teams that focus on direct play and counter-attacks. If he works on his weaknesses, he has the potential to play for a top European club.
Final rating: 8/10