World Cup involvement will help wing wizard Anass Zaroury prepare for the big moments ahead — says Burnley boss Vincent Kompany

The 22-year-old, who switched allegiances after winning a handful of caps for Belgium's Under 21s, is yet to feature for the Atlas Lions at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

However, being a part of a historic journey with his nation, and experiencing the environment of a major tournament, will ready the ex-Charleroi star for the milestones ahead, according to Kompany.

The quarter-finalists, who take on Portugal this afternoon, with a semi-final against England or France on the line, held Spain to a goal-less draw in the round of 16, before dumping the 2010 champions out on penalties.

They had previously topped Group F, taking seven points from games against semi-finalists Croatia, who knocked out favourites Brazil, as well as Belgium and Canada, with Zaroury an unused substitute in each of those fixtures.

"I think any player at his age, in his situation, if you gave him an option to be a part of it, even if you're not really getting game time, you'd take it, it's an experience," Kompany said. "Hopefully he'll have more World Cups in the future.

"The next time you're in a big tournament or a big moment, it could be a play-off final, because you've been around that environment there's just such a weight that drops off your shoulder. It's important to be there."

Kompany has been pleasantly surprised to see his summer signing earn such an opportunity at this stage of his career on the back of a bright start in English football.

The Clarets' star man wasn't handed his first start for his new club until October, but he's since scored six times in all competitions while adding a couple of assists.

Kompany said: "It was so unexpected as well because he was fighting for his place in the Belgian League not so long ago and when he came here we didn't expect this.

"If we had a plan in mind — you have a pathway for every player you bring in and some succeed, some don't — and within his pathway I don't think we'd have expected to see so much of him at this point.

"But he's a young player so when he comes back we'll be ensuring he maintains all the right habits and that he gets back to enjoying his football."

Kompany, a Manchester City legend with four Premier League titles to his name, knows all about the furore surrounding the World Cup having captained Belgium to a third place finish in Russia four years ago.

And that's why he's allowing Zaroury to get on with things without any interference. "Having been in a World Cup before, they'll be getting texts from the King of their country, everybody gets involved in it," he said.

"He knows he's coming home at some point, hopefully as late as possible, and now I just want him to enjoy it. If there are any problems we're still in touch with the supporting staff of the Moroccan national team."