Former Juventus defender Medhi Benatia, now playing for Qatari side Al-Duhail, spoke positively of Inter wing back Achraf Hakimi in an interview with Italian media outlet Calciomercato.com earlier today.
“Hakimi is perhaps the spearhead of the generation of talent that is growing up in Morocco. Already now he is among the five strongest full backs in Europe, in a couple of years he will compete for the first place on the podium with of Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold.
“Right now, but only at this moment, the Englishman is a little bit stronger.”
The 21-year-old Hakimi, who is contracted to the Nerazzurri until 2025, joined the club from Real Madrid in the summer transfer window, in a deal worth around €40 million.
The player impressed last season whilst on loan with German side Borussia Dortmund. He made 45 appearances across all competitions last season, for a total of 3571 minutes.
In that time, he scored nine goals and provided 10 assists, impressing with both his offensive and defensive qualities.
Hakimi has adapted well to coach Antonio Conte’s tactical system, scoring one goal and providing two assists in seven appearances across all competitions so far this season.
He was forced to miss Inter’s Champions League clash against Borussia Monchengladbach last month after a false positive Covid-19 test.
