Overview
Issam Chebake is a seasoned Moroccan professional footballer who predominantly operates as a right-back. Born on October 12, 1989, in Agadir, Morocco, Chebake stands at 1.76 meters. His professional career has spanned several clubs in France and Turkey, where he has consistently demonstrated his capabilities as a reliable full-back. Chebake has also represented the Morocco national team, earning caps at the senior international level.
Position
Chabake's primary position is right-back. In this role, he is responsible for both defensive solidity on the flank and providing width and attacking impetus in the final third. His experience allows him to adapt to various tactical setups, whether in a four-man defense or as a wing-back in a system requiring more offensive contribution from wide defenders. His ability to track back and defend diligently is often complemented by his willingness to join attacks, making him a dynamic presence on the right side of the pitch.
Identity
Issam Chebake's footballing identity is characterized by his consistency, defensive work rate, and experience. He is known as a tenacious and disciplined defender who prioritizes his defensive duties but also possesses the technical ability to contribute to build-up play and deliver crosses. His robust approach to the game and leadership qualities have often seen him become an integral part of the defensive units he has played for, earning him a reputation as a dependable professional in European football.
Career path
Issam Chebake began his footballing journey in Morocco before moving to France to continue his development. His early career saw him hone his skills in various youth setups, laying the groundwork for his eventual professional debut. He transitioned into senior football, making a name for himself as a dependable right-back.
US Lège Cap Ferret
Chabake's initial steps in senior French football began with US Lège Cap Ferret. He played for the club during the 2011-2012 season, appearing in 30 matches and scoring three goals, which helped him gain exposure and experience in the lower leagues of French football (Transfermarkt).
Rodez AF
Following his time at US Lège Cap Ferret, Chebake moved to Rodez AF in 2012. He spent two seasons with Rodez, from 2012 to 2014, establishing himself as a regular starter. During his tenure, he made 61 appearances and scored 4 goals, further solidifying his reputation as a capable defender with an eye for goal (Transfermarkt). His consistent performances at Rodez attracted attention from higher divisions.
Le Havre AC
In 2014, Chebake made a significant step up in his career, joining Le Havre AC in Ligue 2, the second tier of French football. He became a key player for Le Havre, featuring regularly over three seasons. From 2014 to 2017, he played in 105 matches across all competitions, scoring 5 goals (Transfermarkt). His time at Le Havre was marked by consistent defensive displays and contributions to the team's attacking play from the right flank.
Yeni Malatyaspor
After his successful spell in France, Chebake moved to Turkey, signing with Yeni Malatyaspor in 2017. This move marked his first experience in a top-tier league outside of France. He quickly adapted to the Süper Lig, becoming a vital part of Yeni Malatyaspor's defense. He remained with the club until 2021, making 126 appearances and scoring 4 goals during his four seasons (Soccerway). His tenure at Yeni Malatyaspor was characterized by consistent performance and reliability.
Hatayspor
In 2021, Chebake transferred to another Turkish Süper Lig club, Hatayspor. He continued to be a regular starter, showcasing his experience and defensive acumen. He has made over 50 appearances for Hatayspor since joining, maintaining his high standards in the Turkish top flight (Sofascore).
Playing style
Issam Chebake is a classic modern full-back, balancing defensive duties with offensive contributions. His playing style is built on a foundation of defensive discipline, combined with the athleticism and technical ability to impact the game in the attacking third. As a right-back, he is often tasked with marshalling the opposition's left-sided attackers while also providing width and overlapping runs to support his team's offense.
Defensive Attributes
Defensively, Chebake is known for his tenacity and strong tackling. He excels in one-on-one situations, demonstrating good positional awareness and the ability to win back possession. His reading of the game allows him to anticipate opposition moves, making timely interceptions and blocking crosses. While not the tallest, he competes effectively in aerial duels when required, particularly against wingers or when defending set pieces. His defensive work rate is consistently high, tracking back diligently to support his central defenders and midfielders.
Offensive Contributions
In attack, Chebake provides an important outlet on the right flank. He possesses decent pace and is comfortable carrying the ball forward, often embarking on overlapping runs to create numerical advantages. His crossing ability is a key asset, capable of delivering accurate balls into the box for strikers. While not a prolific goalscorer, he has shown an ability to contribute with goals, often from well-timed runs into the penalty area or powerful shots from outside the box. His link-up play with wingers and central midfielders is generally effective, contributing to fluid attacking sequences.
Comparisons
Chabake's consistent and balanced approach to the right-back role draws comparisons with players known for their reliability and work rate, such as former Premier League full-back Bacary Sagna during his Arsenal years, or perhaps even a more defensively oriented Serge Aurier. These comparisons highlight his blend of defensive solidity and willingness to contribute offensively, without necessarily being a primary creative force, but rather a consistent and dependable presence.
Achievements & honours
While Issam Chebake's career has been more about consistent performance and establishing himself as a reliable professional rather than a collection of major trophies, he has contributed significantly to the teams he has represented. His primary focus has been on securing stable positions in competitive leagues and contributing to his team's success through his disciplined play.
During his time in the Turkish Süper Lig with Yeni Malatyaspor and Hatayspor, Chebake was an integral part of squads that maintained their status in the top flight, often exceeding expectations. His contributions were vital in securing mid-table finishes and ensuring stability for these clubs.
Though specific major club trophies might not be abundant, his lengthy career in professional football, spanning France's Ligue 2 and Turkey's Süper Lig, is an achievement in itself, reflecting his consistency and dedication to the sport. Being a regular starter for multiple seasons in competitive leagues demonstrates his enduring quality and value to his teams.
His international caps for Morocco also represent a significant honour, allowing him to represent his nation on the global stage.
Club Career Honours
| Club | Competition | Year |
|---|---|---|
| None specified in source data |
International career
Issam Chebake has represented the Morocco national football team at the senior level. His call-up to the national squad was a recognition of his consistent performances at club level, particularly during his time in France and Turkey. He made his debut for the Atlas Lions in 2014 (Wikipedia), marking a significant milestone in his career.
Throughout his international career, Chebake has earned 12 caps for Morocco (Transfermarkt). While not always a guaranteed starter, he has been a reliable option for various national team coaches, providing depth and experience in the right-back position. His appearances have come in a mix of friendly matches, Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, and World Cup qualifiers.
Chabake's role for the national team has typically been that of a dependable defensive full-back, providing stability on the right flank. He has contributed to Morocco's efforts in securing qualification for major tournaments, although he has not been a prominent figure in the final squads for major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup or the Africa Cup of Nations on every occasion. His presence in the squad has often been valued for his experience and ability to perform when called upon, offering a solid alternative to other full-back options.
His international career underscores his longevity and the respect he has earned within Moroccan football, affirming his status as a professional capable of competing at the highest levels of the game.
What makes Issam Chebake stand out
Issam Chebake's standout qualities revolve around his exceptional consistency and defensive reliability. Unlike many modern full-backs who prioritize attack, Chebake's foundational strength lies in his disciplined defensive work rate. He is rarely caught out of position and demonstrates a strong understanding of defensive tactics, making him a manager's ideal choice for a stable backline.
Another distinguishing trait is his ability to adapt to different leagues and tactical systems. Having transitioned from French lower leagues to Ligue 2, and then to the demanding Süper Lig in Turkey, Chebake has consistently performed, showcasing his professional adaptability and resilience. This capacity to maintain performance levels across varied footballing cultures highlights his robust mental and physical attributes.
Finally, his leadership by example on the pitch is notable. While not always the most vocal, his consistent effort, tactical adherence, and strong defensive challenges inspire confidence in his teammates. He consistently puts in a shift, demonstrating commitment to the team's collective goals.
"Issam is a very professional player; you know exactly what you're going to get from him defensively, which is invaluable for any team."