Yassir Zabiri has been nominated for La Liga’s Under-23 Player of the Month award following his outstanding performance with Racing Santander against Elche.
The Moroccan forward is competing for the award with Javi Hernández of Espanyol, Miguel Sierra of Sevilla, Arda Güler of Real Madrid, and Xavi Esparza of Barcelona.
Zabiri earned the nomination by scoring three goals in just 21 minutes against Elche on Friday during La Liga’s third matchday. His performance also earned him a spot on the Team of the Week, according to AS.
Zabiri made history at Racing Santander with his hat trick, joining a select group of players who have scored three goals in a single match in Spain’s top flight.
Read also : Yassir Zabiri named in Team of the Week for La Liga Matchday 3
Zabiri is the fourth Moroccan player this century to score a La Liga hat trick, after Youssef En-Nesyri, Youssef El-Arabi, and Munir El-Hamdaoui.
Zabiri is the first Morocco U20 international to score a La Liga hat trick at El Sardinero since Javi Guerrero achieved the feat against Murcia in 2004.
Zabiri is the second-youngest African player to score a hat trick in the competition this century, behind Samuel Eto’o, who did so against Almería in 2008.
Racing Santander announced Zabiri’s arrival from Stade Rennais on July 29. The Moroccan international joined the Spanish club on loan to gain more playing time and continue his development in Spain. His start suggests he is well on his way to doing just that.
