Mehdi Carcela-González

Mehdi Carcela-González is a midfielder for Standard Liege. He was born on 1 July, 1989 in Liège, Belgium, to Moroccan and Spanish parents. Mehdi’s football career started at the age of 5, at Standard Liège youth academy. González played for various youth teams of the club, until signing for Standard Liège on a 4-year contract at age 19. In September 2008 Mehdi made his debut for the club in a 2-0 win against K.V. Kortrijk. On 18 December, 2008, Mehdi debuted in a European competition (UEFA Cup match against Stuttgart). During his first season, González started in 15 matches and won Belgian League and Belgian Supercup. In the following season, in September, Mehdi managed a double against KV Mechelen.

In the 2010/11 season the midfielder featured in 44 matches and scored 14 goals, and became Belgian Cup Champion with his Standard Liège. In June 2011 Spartak Moscow became interested in Mehdi, although the Belgian midfielder signed for Anzhi Makhachkala in the late summer of 2011. On 31 August 2011 González signed for Anzhi on a three and a half year contract. Two years later the Moroccan returned to his former club.

Mehdi started his international career at Belgian U-16 and made it all the way up to the senior national team. But at the age of 21 the midfielder decided to play for Morocco. In January 2012 Mehdi González was included in the squad of Africa Cup of Nations.