Mehdi Benatia
Mehdi Benatia (born April 17, 1987) is a Moroccan professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Qatar Stars League club Al Duhail. He is known for his physicality, aerial prowess, and leadership skills.
Early Life and Career:
Mehdi Benatia was born in Courcouronnes, France, to Moroccan parents. He began his football career with local club Évry FC at the age of 13. In 2003, he joined the youth academy of Olympique Marseille, where he spent three years.
Professional Career:
- Olympique Marseille (2006-2008):
Benatia made his professional debut for Marseille in the 2006-07 season, making 10 appearances. He played predominantly as a right-back during this time.
- Tours FC (2008-2009) and Lorient (2009-2010):
Benatia had loan spells at Tours FC and Lorient in the French lower divisions, where he gained valuable playing time and experience.
- Udinese (2010-2013):
In 2010, Benatia signed for Italian club Udinese. He quickly became a regular starter and impressed with his performances in Serie A.
- AS Roma (2013-2014):
Benatia joined AS Roma in 2013, where he formed a formidable defensive partnership with Kostas Manolas. He helped Roma finish second in Serie A and reach the semi-finals of the Europa League.
- Bayern Munich (2014-2016) and Juventus (2016-2019):
Benatia had a successful spell at Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga title in both of his seasons with the club. He then moved to Juventus, where he won three consecutive Serie A titles.
- Al Duhail (2019-present):
Benatia joined Qatari club Al Duhail in 2019, where he has continued to play at a high level and has helped the team win several domestic trophies.
International Career:
Mehdi Benatia made his debut for the Morocco national team in 2008. He has since become one of the team's most important players, captaining them on numerous occasions. Benatia has represented Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup.
Leadership and Accolades:
Benatia is known for his leadership qualities and has been praised for his ability to organize and motivate his teammates. He has won numerous individual awards, including being named to the Serie A Team of the Year twice.
Style of Play:
Mehdi Benatia is a strong and athletic defender who excels in aerial duels and tackles. He is also comfortable playing out from the back and starting attacks with his passing. Benatia's height and physicality make him a formidable presence in the penalty area.
Legacy:
Mehdi Benatia is considered one of the best Moroccan defenders of his generation. He has achieved success at both club and international levels, and his leadership and defensive skills have made him a respected figure in the world of football.
