Player profile: Omar Rekik


Rekik

Player Profile: Omar Rekik

By Oli Dickson-Jefford

Omar Rekik is not the first name on Arsenal fan’s lips when talking about their team, but things could be different a few years from now.

The 20-year-old is highly fancied by many within the club and has impressed in the U23 since he joined the club a year ago. 

A first team debut may be a little while off just yet, but he is someone people hope will make a huge impact at the Emirates in the future.

Here’s all you need to know about the Tunisian defender.

Background

Rekik was born in the Netherlands to a Tunisian father and a Dutch mother, and he ultimately followed in the footballing footsteps of his older brother.

Karim Rekik currently plies his trade for Sevilla in La Liga and Omar followed his 27-year-old brother across Europe, spending time in several youth sides.

He has been part of youth academies at Feyenoord, Manchester City, PSV, Marseille and Hertha Berlin across the past decade.

However, the brothers went their separate ways when Karim moved to Spain in the summer of 2020, with Omar staying in Germany until his move to Arsenal in January 2021.

Since joining Arsenal, the Tunisian has become an U23 regular and was in the senior squad that travelled to Scotland for pre-season friendlies ahead of the current season.

Key Attributes

Rekik has been one of the standout performers in Arsenal’s U23 side this season and is highly-rated by Gunners staff.

His passing is considered by many to be his main strength, with those who have followed his progression saying that his passing range and passing choice are exceptional.

The Tunisian has also received praise for his overall technicality, and there are considered to be few major areas of weakness within his game.

Rekik

His mental strength is also something that is noted by many at Arsenal, with Rekik considered someone who has natural leadership qualities and who is not deterred by potential setbacks.

What Next?

In the immediate future, Rekik has a first major international tournament to enjoy, having been called up to the Tunisia squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.

While his older brother decided to represent the Netherlands, the country of their birth, the 20-year-old has chosen to represent his father’s homeland after previously being picked by both countries at youth level.

He made his international debut in a 1-0 friendly win against Mali last summer and is part of the squad that face that same team as well as Gambia and Mauritania in the group stage of the tournament in Cameroon.

Back in England, it is expected that he will be loaned out to gain some first-team experience elsewhere.

Rekik has not made a competitive senior appearance at club level in his career yet, meaning such experience is vital for his development.

Considering how highly rated he is, there will likely be several clubs across both League One and Two that are interested in taking him on for the rest of the season. 

It might be a while before he starts working his way into the first team, but he is certainly someone that Gunners fans should keep an eye on.

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