Souffian El Karouani is having a season to remember at FC Utrecht. The Moroccan left-back joined the club from NEC Nijmegen in 2023 and delivered two solid campaigns, but his third season has been nothing short of spectacular—turning him into one of the Eredivisie's most dangerous attacking defenders.

Before this breakout year, El Karouani had notched just two goals and 12 assists across 69 appearances for Utrecht. Fast forward to the current campaign, and the numbers are staggering: in 46 games, he has racked up 16 assists and added three goals of his own. That's more assists in a single season than he managed in his previous two combined—a testament to his rapid development.

The 25-year-old's creativity has been on full display in the Eredivisie, where his 10 assists rank third in the entire league. The other six came during Utrecht's impressive run through 14 Europa League matches, showcasing his ability to deliver on the European stage. When compared to other left-backs in the Dutch top flight, no one comes close to matching his chance creation. According to FotMob, El Karouani is outpacing 96% of players in his position for shot attempts, while also contributing more defensively than 62% of the league—a rare blend of attacking flair and defensive reliability.

Unsurprisingly, his transfer value has skyrocketed. With his contract expiring this summer, El Karouani is set to join Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah. For Utrecht, losing him on a free transfer is a bitter pill to swallow, especially given how instrumental he has been in their success this season. The club will undoubtedly feel his absence, but for now, fans can appreciate watching a player at the peak of his powers.