Expert View: Reda Laalaoui

After securing our first summer signing with Reda Laalaoui last week, we spoke with leading African journalist Micky Junior to provide an expert analysis on our new recruit.

HC: Micky Junior, thanks for joining us first and foremost. What is your opinion on Reda’s move to Hull City?

MJ: Reda’s move to Hull City is a bold and clever decision. It’s great for both the player and the club. At 20, it’s the perfect age to step into European football, and Hull City offers the right environment for his development and transition.

This is going to be a great piece of recruitment. Kudos to Hull’s scouting team; they’ve done fantastic work keeping tabs on such a talented lad. If all goes well, this could be a real win for both sides and open doors for more talents from Morocco and Africa at large.

HC: What can Hull City fans expect from Reda?

MJ: Hull City fans can expect a dynamic and technically gifted midfielder in Reda. He is a player full of potential who blends flair with hard work, effort and creativity. Reda is a raw gem. He can play as a number eight or even as a number six when needed. A couple of times, he’s been tested in the number 10 role too. He’s a complete midfield package.

Reda has that signature North African grit. He presses relentlessly with fighting spirit. While he’s not a prolific goalscorer, he has the ability to make surprise runs into the box and shoot from distance. One strike from him can shift momentum in a game. I love how intelligently he finds space. He’s not one to hold on to the ball too long — he progresses it quickly and with intent. Reda has the confidence to glide past players regardless of their size or strength.

HC: What are Reda’s best attributes?

MJ: Reda’s standout qualities include tactical flexibility, technical skill, close control, short-burst pace and intelligence. He plays with confidence and is never afraid to try something new.

He’s a risk-taker for himself and the team. His ability to adapt across any midfield role makes him unique. He’s truly a rising star. Thanks to his pace, he can initiate counter-attacks quickly and break away from markers. Agile, with quick feet and impressive body control, Reda reads the game well and makes smart decisions in seconds.

HC: Over the course of his short professional career, Reda has played in a number of positions in midfield and out wide on the right. What do you believe is his natural position and why?

MJ: Given his attributes and performances so far, Reda’s natural position is central midfield — as a number eight. This role allows him to combine technical ability, spatial awareness, vision and energy. He’s competent, though not elite — yet.

He’s dangerous when breaking lines at speed and has shown an impressive understanding of how to position himself to receive the ball and transition quickly from defence to attack.

HC: Reda came through the youth system at his hometown club and has since played over 50 senior games for Fath Union Sport. How has he performed and developed from when he first made his debut to now?

MJ: Reda’s journey from Fath Union Sport’s academy to becoming one of the top young midfielders in the Botola Pro is a story of maturity, confidence and evolution. He has grown from a tidy academy product into a well-rounded, forward-thinking midfielder, ready for European football.

His steady rise at FUS Rabat laid a strong foundation, and now at Hull, he’s entering the next phase of his career with both confidence and credibility. His performances for Morocco’s Under-20s reflected his upward trajectory — controlling play, scoring and leading from midfield against continental opponents.

For his age, his composure in big matches is remarkable. He’s become more vocal, more influential in dictating tempo, and his defensive awareness has improved significantly, not to mention his ability to take on defenders centrally and thread vertical passes between the lines. He’s learned when to sit and when to push forward — a sign of his growing football IQ.

HC: Not many City fans will have watched the Moroccan League. Are there many similarities to the Sky Bet Championship?

MJ: The Moroccan League, called the Botola Pro, is one of Africa’s strongest. There are differences compared to the Championship, but also similarities that will help Reda adapt. Botola is extremely competitive, especially in the title race, which often resembles the intensity of Championship play-offs.

Physicality, especially in midfield battles and defensive duels, is part of the game in Morocco, so Reda won’t be new to contact or pressure. Clubs like Raja, Wydad and FUS play under huge fan pressure, much like Championship clubs pushing for promotion or survival. However, the Championship is notably faster. Reda will need to make quicker decisions and adjust to a more direct, physical pace. He’ll also need to hit the gym, bulk up and condition his body for the demanding schedule. The weather and match intensity will take time to get used to, but his stamina, consistency, and recovery habits will be key in managing the grind of 40+ matches a season.

HC: We’ve seen a few Moroccan players play for Hull City recently in Anass Zaroury and Nordin Amrabat. Is Hull City growing in popularity in Morocco, especially with the signing of Reda?

MJ: Hull City’s profile is genuinely growing in Morocco. Everyone knows the club, and Reda’s signing will only increase the spotlight. If things go well, expect to see a surge of Moroccan and African fans across social media supporting him.

There will be regular press and media coverage. Journalists like me will want to visit, cover games, and follow his progress. This could spark a strong relationship between Hull and talent from Morocco and Africa. Expect buzz online whenever Reda scores or assists. Trust me — it’ll be electric!

HC: You mentioned earlier about Reda and his involvement for Morocco Under-20s. Having 24 caps to his name, he recently played a key role in the 2025 AFCON U20 tournament. How did he perform? 

MJ: Reda was a standout at the U20 AFCON tournament. I was there — I saw it firsthand! He was consistently excellent for Morocco. Although the team didn’t lift the trophy, Reda showcased his class and what he’s capable of in the years ahead.

He was assigned to link defence and attack, progress the ball quickly, and dictate the tempo. He often dropped deep to support the backline, held shape when protecting a lead, and helped create overloads in advanced areas. His coach clearly trusted him. He didn’t score, but he was heavily involved throughout. Hull have signed a player who delivers under pressure and on big stages.

HC: And finally, with him performing for his country at Under-20s level, how soon do you believe he will receive a first team call-up to Morocco now he is at Hull?

MJ: He’s already on the radar of Morocco’s national team coach, Walid Regragui, and I expect a senior call-up within the next 15/20 months. If Reda settles quickly at Hull, we might even see him called up sooner.

I’ve already heard from people close to the national team that Walid is a big admirer. He’s watched Reda’s games and even spoken to him twice during the tournament. The future is bright. I can’t wait to watch him at the MKM Stadium. Wishing Reda and Hull City all the best in the upcoming season!