PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Khalid Boutaib - Moroccan forward has finally found his niche

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Oct 27, 2017. 12:19

After seasons of mediocre performances, Morocco international Khalid Boutaib has finally found his niche and at the age of 30 his best is yet to come.

Boutaib rose to prominence over recent months, netting a hat-trick as the Atlas Lions took a massive step towards qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup following a 3-0 win over Gabon.

The French-born forward earned a call-up to the Moroccan national set-up last year, and duly impressed for Ligue 2 outfit Strasbourg during the 2016-17 season.

His 20 goals eventually earning the club promotion to the top-flight, with a 2-1 win on the final day securing top spot.

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A move to Turkish Super League outfit Yeni Malatyaspor followed and Boutaib has kicked off his new adventure in style - boasting five goals in nine appearances this season.

Herve Renard is set to call on the towering forward once more next month, as Morocco aim to finish the job in the Ivory Coast. If they avoid defeat away to the Elephants, the Atlas Lions will book their ticket to Russia.