Moroccan Hakimi looking to impress at Real Madrid

Real Madrid players Achraf Hakimi (L) and Protuguese Cristiano Ronaldo (R) in action during the team's training session at Valdebebas sport city in Madrid, Spain, 22 September 2017. Real Madrid faces Alaves FC on 23 September 2017 in a Primera Division Liga match. EPA/Rodrigo Jimenez

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Thursday Oct 12, 2017. 14:00

Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi is looking to cement his place in the Real Madrid CF starting line-up.

The teenage defender made his competitive debut for the Spanish giants as they beat Espanyol 2-0 in a La Liga match in Madrid last month.

Hakimi, who is only 18-years-old, was given a chance to showcase his talent at right-back with Spanish full-back Dani Carvajal out nursing a long-term injury.

"He was outstanding," Real head coach Zinedine Zidane told the Spanish media.

"Achraf has shown that he can play and I am not scared to throw him in going forward.

"He is the second-choice right-back and so if Carvajal is not available, he can play."

Hakimi, who was born in Madrid, is a former Real academy player and he has represented Morocco youth national teams.

He was part of the Morocco squad that beat Gabon 3-0 in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualification (CAF) Group C match in Casablanca last weekend.