Dutch legend Marco van Basten praises Ismael Saibari’s rise

Dutch football legend Marco van Basten has heaped praise on Moroccan international Ismael Saibari for his outstanding performances with PSV Eindhoven.

Van Basten, widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time, described Saibari as one of the brightest talents in the Eredivisie this season.

Appearing on the “Rondo” program aired by Ziggo Sport, van Basten expressed his admiration for the young Moroccan, stating, “I believe that from a technical and physical standpoint, he has all the attributes to become the best in the Dutch league. In my opinion, he is currently the most complete player in the Eredivisie.”

The three-time Ballon d’Or winner went on to highlight Saibari’s tactical intelligence, tempo control, precise passing, and big-match presence. According to van Basten, “His level is continuously rising and he has what it takes to reach the highest levels of European football in the coming years.”

Saibari has become a cornerstone for PSV, dazzling fans and critics alike in both domestic league and Champions League matches. His commitment and tactical discipline have also made him a vital part of the Moroccan national squad under coach Walid Regragui.

Currently, Saibari is with Morocco’s national team preparing for friendlies against Bahrain and their last World Cup 2026 qualifier versus DR Congo—a testament to his growing importance on the international stage.