The latest talent starting to make his way into PSV 's lineup is 18 year-old Zakaria Labyad . The Dutch born Moroccan winger-forward grew up in Utrecht, making his first steps in football with local side USV Elinkwijk. When only 12 years old Labyad's potential was spotted by PSV 's scouts, who brought the player to their youth academy. Making his way through the ranks, Zakaria signed his first professional contract in January 2009, and got his first team debut in PSV 's Europa League match against Hamburger SV in 2010, when just 16 years of age. In April 2010, about a month after his 17th birthday, Labyad made his first appearance in PSV 's starting lineup, in the home league match against Groningen. The visitors took the lead after an early goal by Tim Matavz (now playing for PSV ), until the 25th minute, when Labyad got the first goal of his career, and in a spectacular manner: receiving the ball on the left flank, he cut into the center, and struck a powerful arched shot into the opposite top corner. After a masterly free-kick by Balazs Dzsudzsack gave PSV the lead, Labyad got his second goal of the match, capping off a dream performance.

After remaining a fringe player in PSV 's squad in the last two seasons, this year Labyad has become an important player in his team's rotation system: So far, in all competitions this season, he has played 26 matches, 18 of which in the starting lineup, and has accumulated 9 goals and 11 assists. 

At international level, Labyad was part of the Netherlands U17 team in the 2009 U17 World Cup, playing all three matches of the group stage before his team was eliminated.

After representing his homeland at international U19 level as well, Labyad decided to switch his allegiance, and has since then played for Morocco's U23 national team. There is a strong probability that he will be included in the Moroccan selection for the up and coming African Cup of Nations.

 

Labyad is a tremendously gifted attacking midfielder. Usually operated on the right wing, but also capable of coming in through the left or just behind the striker, he is extremely fast with or without the ball at his feet, and often likes to cut into the middle and produce a threat on goal. Labyad has very quick feet and explosive acceleration in the first few feet. He has great control with both feet, and a very powerful and accurate shot with his preferred right foot. 

Labyad is still 18 years-old, and may have a few more years to strengthen up physically, but so far he seems a little shy, avoiding tackles and aggressive confrontations. His decision making and passing still need improvement and maybe most of all he needs to develop tactically, and upgrade his pressure on the opposition and defensive abilities on his flank.

 

Labyad is considered a very ambitious and competitive young player, who works hard to prove his worth. His mature and professional approach has earned him his first team place at only 16 years of age. Often compared with former teammate Ibrahim Afellay , due to their similar style of play, Moroccan descent and their both growing up in Utrecht playing for USV Elinkwijk, Labyad himself openly endorses the comparison:

"Ibrahim is my role model. He plays the same position as me, but also as a person I look up to him. I owe a lot to him."

 

The talented youngster has been under surveillance of scouts from many top clubs in Europe for a few years now, with a list including AC Milan, Barcelona and Chelsea, among others, reported interested in his services. Labyad's first professional contract with PSV is terminating at the end of the current season, with the club having an option to extend the deal in further two years. The most recent reports have been tying the hot prospect with a move to Sporting Lisbon this coming January.