DR ‹ › Moroccan defender Ismaël Baouf has expressed his ambition to play at the upcoming World Cup with the Atlas Lions, calling it a «boyhood dream» in a recent interview with Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad. «If it were up to me, I would definitely want to go», said the 19-year-old centre-back, who made his debut with Morocco's senior team in March after winning the U20 World Cup last year. Currently with SC Cambuur, Baouf believes his chances could be helped by national team coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who previously led Morocco's U20 side to the world title. «Maybe that helps a little in the selection process, but ultimately what you show on the pitch is the deciding factor», he said. The young defender, who played a key role in Cambuur's promotion to the Eredivisie, is also attracting interest from Ajax and PSV. While open to a move, he remains focused on earning a place in Morocco's squad for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
