Profile
A prolific wide forward who rose through Excelsior's ranks (85 apps, 12 goals) before a €3.5M move to PSV in July 2024. Primarily a left winger who can play across the front line. Known for his Champions League brace vs Liverpool (26 Nov 2025) and first CL goal vs Arsenal (12 Mar 2025). At 24, he is a high-impact substitute (24 of 29 apps from bench) with genuine goal threat. Represents Morocco at U23 level, winning the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations.
T3 Status
0/16 T3 metrics validated. All physical, mobility, and micro-technical assessments are pending video scout review. Driouech has a documented ankle injury history (Nov 2024–Jan 2025, Dec 2025–Jan 2026) — T3 physical metrics should be flagged as high-variance until validated. Cross-reference cutting ability, acceleration out of turns, and repeat sprint mechanics.
Empire FGA Verdict
PROXY FGA 7.4 — Extensive Tier 1 data from 133 career apps, 29 Eredivisie apps (4 goals), and 7 Champions League apps (3 goals, 2 assists) validates a high-impact attacking profile. Limited to substitute role (5 starts, 24 subs) and ankle injury history cap the absolute score. Elite ceiling if T3 validates explosive pace and finishing consistency. Primary risk factor: injury recurrence.
Driouech's 2025–26 season has been a super-sub campaign — 29 Eredivisie appearances with only 5 starts, accumulating 953 minutes. His 4 league goals and 1 assist come at a strong rate for limited minutes. In the Champions League, he has been more impactful: 7 apps, 3 goals, 2 assists — including a brace vs Liverpool (26 Nov 2025) in a 4–1 victory and his first CL goal vs Arsenal (12 Mar 2025). He also featured in the Johan Cruyff Shield (Aug 2025). His injury in December 2025–January 2026 limited his mid-season availability.
Technical
Mental
Physical
Tier 1 — Real Data Metrics
Tier 2 — Composite Scores
FGA Weighting Breakdown
Season Context
Groningen (23 Aug '25): Subbed on 76'
Ajax (21 Sep '25): Started
Newcastle (21 Jan '26): Subbed on 62'
Feyenoord (1 Feb '26): Subbed on 65'
Volendam (13 Feb '26): Subbed on 64' · Assist
Telstar (22 Mar '26): Subbed on 46'
Twente (17 May '26): Subbed on 71' · YC
Proxy FGA Rating — 7.4 / 10 · Methodology
Top 10 Philosophy Fits
Tactical Archetype
"The Impact Substitute Sniper" — A modern wide forward built for high-intensity cameos. Driouech combines explosive dribbling, sharp finishing, and intelligent off-the-ball movement. His Champions League brace vs Liverpool and first CL goal vs Arsenal validate his ability to deliver against elite opposition in limited minutes. Comfortable on either wing but most dangerous cutting inside from the left. His 1.23 shots on target per 90 (Oddscalendar) is elite for a substitute. Best deployed as a game-changing sub or in a front-three rotation.
Career Timeline
Career Statistics
| Club | Season | League | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heerenveen | 2020–21 | Eredivisie | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Excelsior | 2021–22 | Eerste Divisie | 26 | 3 | 0 |
| Excelsior | 2022–23 | Eredivisie | 33 | 3 | 0 |
| Excelsior | 2023–24 | Eredivisie | 26 | 6 | 0 |
| PSV | 2024–25 | Eredivisie | 15 | 2 | 0 |
| PSV | 2025–26 | Eredivisie | 29 | 4 | 1 |
| Career Total (Club) | 134 | 18 | 1 | ||
International Register
| National Team | Years | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco U23 | 2023– | 9 | 0 |
| Total Youth | 9 | 0 | |
Physical Profile
Injury History
✓ Positive Filters
- Champions League proven — Brace vs Liverpool (26 Nov 2025), first CL goal vs Arsenal (12 Mar 2025). Delivers against elite opposition
- High-impact substitute — 29 Eredivisie apps (24 from bench), 4 goals, 1 assist. 953 minutes = strong output rate
- 1.23 shots on target per 90 — Elite accuracy for limited minutes (Oddscalendar data)
- Excelsior pedigree — 85 apps, 12 goals from age 19. Proven goal-scorer at lower level before PSV step-up
- Versatile forward line — Natural LW, comfortable RW and central. Tactical flexibility for multiple systems
- Morocco U23 AFCON winner — 2023 tournament winner. High-pressure international temperament validated
- Age curve — 24 years old with 133 senior apps. Entering prime years with room to develop
- PSV contract security — Five-year deal until 2029. Long-term club investment
- Eredivisie champion — 2024–25 and 2025–26 titles. Proven winner in dominant side
- €3.5M transfer fee — Modest investment with high resale potential if performance continues
⚠ Caution Signals
- Squad-player status — Only 5 starts in 29 Eredivisie apps. Not trusted as a starter by Peter Bosz
- Ankle injury pattern — Two extended layoffs (Nov 2024–Jan 2025, Dec 2025–Jan 2026) plus short recurrence. Chronic vulnerability
- Limited aerial presence — 175cm frame. Not a target man or aerial threat
- One-footed — Right-footed only. Predictable when cutting inside from left
- Low defensive contribution — Minimal pressing or tracking back for a modern winger
- No senior Morocco caps — U23 only. Faces competition from Ziyech, Amallah, El Khannouss for senior role
- Discipline — 4 yellows in 29 apps. Occasional rash challenges
- Stamina concerns — Primarily used as substitute. Unknown if he can sustain 90-minute intensity
✗ Critical Gaps
- All 16 T3 metrics pending — Zero validated video assessments; full scout review required
- Physical metrics high-variance — Ankle injury history invalidates acceleration/agility projections until post-injury baseline confirmed
- No top-5 league experience — Entire career in Eredivisie. Unproven outside Dutch system
- Starter sample limited — Only 5 starts in 2025–26. Insufficient data for full-90 projection
- Defensive work rate unproven — Modern systems demand two-way wingers. No evidence of elite pressing or recovery
◆ Empire FGA Verdict
PROXY FGA 7.4 — HOLD with T3 validation required. Couhaib Driouech is a high-impact substitute with genuine Champions League pedigree. His brace vs Liverpool and first CL goal vs Arsenal validate his ability to deliver against elite opposition in high-pressure moments. However, his status as a squad player (5 starts in 29 apps), combined with a recurrent ankle injury pattern and limited top-5 league experience, caps his absolute ceiling. At 24 with 133 senior apps, he has development runway but needs to prove durability and starter-level consistency. Best suited for clubs requiring a game-changing wide forward who can impact off the bench and in European competition. Not recommended as a primary starter until T3 validates 90-minute physical sustainability. Validate T3 before recruitment decision.
Scout Assessment Notes
Physical Identity Card
LW/FW-Specific Focus Areas
- → Cutting inside from left — finishing with right foot
- → 1v1 dribbling & beating full-backs
- → Off-the-ball movement & timing of runs
- → Crossing accuracy & chance creation
- → Acceleration & cutting ability (post-ankle injury)
- → Defensive work rate & pressing intensity