Diaz leads Morocco's hopes in the France summit.

After missing a penalty in the "Panenka" style during a chaotic final of the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, it seemed that Ibrahim Dias had lost his way, before finally regaining his form against Canada in his role as a playmaker for a Moroccan team that will face France again on Thursday in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Despite his status as the best player and top scorer (5 goals) in the Africa Cup of Nations held on home soil, his missed penalty against Senegal last January brought a torrent of criticism that he found difficult to overcome, according to followers of the "Atlas Lions."

His attacking performance was also below expectations during the first three matches of the World Cup. However, the 26-year-old midfielder enjoys the confidence of his coach, Mohamed Wahbi, who defends him in every press conference and keeps him in the starting lineup.

Wahbi said after the victory over Haiti (4-2) in the final group stage match: "He is a very great player, a Real Madrid player, and he will give us a lot. He has provided two key passes so far, and I expect more from him because he is one of my best players, and we will give him the support and confidence he needs to be effective."

Since June 11, his performance has seen a noticeable transformation. He has become less individualistic and more involved in midfield play, and the Real Madrid player has managed to provide four assists (the best African in World Cup history), two of which were against Canada in the Round of 16 (3-0).

Dias said after qualifying: "I am very happy with everything I am doing, with everything I am doing to help my teammates."

He added: "The most important thing is what we achieve as a team," praising the "wonderful mentality" of the "Atlas Lions."

Like many of his teammates, Ibrahim Dias was born outside Morocco, specifically in the Spanish city of Malaga, and chose to represent his father's country only in 2023 after having played for "La Roja." He does not regret his decision.

He said: "Things are really going wonderfully. I am very happy with what I am achieving because I believe the support and love I have received from all of Morocco since I arrived has been amazing."

He added: "To reflect that on the pitch and give my best is unique."

And while he may not have reached his best level yet, former international Abdel Aziz Benij expressed to AFP his hope that "Ibrahim Dias will quickly regain his brilliance: he excels more in defensive work than in the final touch, and perhaps that is the element we are still missing."