Morocco are preparing to rely heavily on Brahim Diaz during their two-match meeting with Niger on 13 and 17 November, as the Real Madrid forward struggles to establish himself in Jose Mourinho’s side.

Diaz has started only two matches and played 242 minutes since the beginning of the season. His limited involvement has raised concerns ahead of Morocco’s fixtures, but national team coach Mohamed Ouahbi says he intends to help the player rebuild his rhythm and confidence.

Speaking at a news conference, Ouahbi acknowledged that both Diaz and Morocco want the midfielder to be playing more regularly at club level.

“Whether it is us or him, he wants to play more. He is at one of the best clubs in the world, and the competition is very, very strong,” he said.

However, the Morocco manager insisted Diaz’s performances and attitude with the national team were not a cause for concern.

“We are not really worried about his level because, when he is with the national team, he is very happy to be here and wants to give everything. We will encourage him. We will make sure he plays very big matches with us so that he can return to Real Madrid and earn even more playing time.”

The plan is therefore to give Diaz significant responsibility for the Lions of the Atlas, with the hope that strong displays for Morocco can help him change his situation in Madrid. Ouahbi stopped short of criticising Mourinho’s selection decisions, though.

“I cannot get involved in the coach’s choices. Everyone has their own solutions to find,” he added.

Despite his lack of regular football, Diaz is expected to retain an important role in Morocco’s attacking play. That preferential treatment is not universally accepted, with former Morocco star Mustapha Hadji among those to have questioned the position being given to the Real Madrid player.

The debate has been sharpened by Mourinho’s recent comments about Diaz. The Portuguese coach said he had no complaints about the forward, praising his professionalism, commitment in training and performances.

Mourinho’s explanation was that the level of competition at Real Madrid had restricted Diaz’s opportunities rather than any issue with the player himself. Diaz, meanwhile, appears determined to continue fighting for his place at the club.

For now, Morocco can offer him the regular involvement, confidence and responsibility that Real Madrid cannot guarantee. The player, who initially resisted joining the national team for several years, is now seeing the Lions of the Atlas attempt to support his career.

Ouahbi’s approach will be tested during the November double-header against Niger, when Morocco hope Diaz can translate his international role into the kind of performances that may strengthen his prospects at Real Madrid.