Raed Chikhaoui #24

Profile

The surprise inclusion in Sabri Lamouchi’s squad. Chikhaoui will turn 22 just before this summer’s World Cup kicks off, and had never been called up to the national team before Lamouchi’s appointment as Tunisia head coach in January. Chikhaoui moved to the coastal city of Monastir from Hammam-Sousse in 2024, and has become an undisputed starter in defence, helping USM finish fifth in the league last season. Primarily a left-sided centre-back, Chikhaoui is nicknamed “the watchtower” due to his 1.90m height and versatility. His selection represents a major opportunity that this talented young defender will now have to seize, and could earn him a move to Europe with several clubs monitoring his development.

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