Mohamed Ihattaren
Mercurial talent faces an uncertain future
Mohamed Ihattaren had just turned 17 when he debuted for PSV Eindhoven two years ago, hailed as the next sensation to emerge from Dutch football. But now, having just turned 19, that promise has wavered off course, with the midfielder kicked out of the PSV Eindhoven squad and his prospects now at a crossroads.
Ihattaren’s potential had been such that the Dutch football association (KNVB) and then-national coach Ronald Koeman actively courted him soon after his club debut, desperate to avoid a repetition of their failure to hook in Hakim Ziyech for the national team.
Ihattaren already has 30 caps for the Netherlands youth teams from Under-15s up to Under-19 level, but his Moroccan heritage offered him another avenue to compete in international football. Hence why there was such relief when he declared for the Dutch. Call-ups to the senior team followed, although a combination of injury and illness has kept him from a full international debut.
Now, that looks some way off. PSV head coach Roger Schmidt banished Ihattaren from the first team, questioning his attitude in the wake of being dropped for the crucial Europa League tie against Olympiakos in February.
He was accused of sulking in the wake of his benching, at a time when his team-mates felt they all needed to pull together in adversity if they were to get past the Greek club.
The club claimed that his banishment was a decision taken in consultation with irritated team-mates, although others refute this. But Schmidt said: “It was a totally unacceptable attitude.”
Ihattaren had previously been in trouble over a series of incidents, including dust-ups in training and failure to pitch up for sponsors’ activities. He was also forced on a diet after returning far too heavy for the new season.
“Every one of us wants to help him and offer him support, but it can’t be a one-way street – something must also come from the other side,” said Schmidt. “It’s not always easy for promising young players with all the hype around them, but ultimately you cannot change people, they must change themselves.”
There is little doubt about his ability, but PSV’s patience looks up and Ihattaren’s agent Mino Raiola added to the fire with heavy criticism of the club and suggestions his player could be gone at the season’s end.
But where to with a tardy reputation? His contract runs until the end of next season, and past discussions over an extension have proven inconclusive. If PSV want to make any money they need to sell him soon.
Since the PSV bust-up, Ajax coach Erik ten Hag has pointedly hailed Ihattaren, although whether the Amsterdammers would risk the harmony in their own camp on a mercurial personality remains to be seen. They have had their fair share of starlets being blinded in the spotlight.
But Ten Hag did add: “He’s more than just a good footballer, he’s a fantastic talent. I hope matters are sorted so we can see him playing in the [Dutch] league again.”
“It’s not always easy for promising young players with all the hype around them, but ultimately you cannot change people, they must change themselves” PSV coach Roger Schmidt