Quality of game in ISL will help me become a better player: Alaaeddine Ajaraie

NorthEast United FC forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie has hit the ground running right from the get-go of Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 with five goals scored in as many matches.

The Moroccan ace is only the second player in the ISL to have scored in each of his first five games after Elano Blumer who achieved the feat in 2014 with eight goals in six matches.

Speaking in an interview with ISL, Ajaraie spoke about his first impressions of the league, teammates and coach Juan Pedro Benali’s role in him settling in the team.

I started quickly with my team, because I trust my teammates. It’s the same with the coach as well. He has faith in me, and I know I should not disappoint him. The team has many distinguished players with special skills. It only takes a little patience and trust to reach the desired goal,” he quoted.

The 31-year-old went on to reveal his thoughts on which teammates in the squad has impressed him the most so far. He said, “I wish for Jithin MS to receive a call-up to the Indian national team, and it’s only a matter of time before he reaches there.”

With seven goal contributions in his first five games in ISL, Alaaeddine Ajaraie has certainly taken the league by storm. In the five matches that he has featured for NorthEast United, the forward has recorded 29 touches in the opposition box, sending an alarm to all the defenders in the league.

Addressing the quality of competition in ISL, Ajaraie admitted to have made a great decision by coming to India. He stated, “The level of the game, it’s very high and I am happy with the decision I made. It will help me be a better player and reach a higher level.”

NorthEast United have garnered five points in as many matches so far in the ongoing campaign and Alaaeddine Ajaraie has urged the supporters to show up in more numbers to motivate the team. “My message to our fans this year is that we aspire to reach the highest levels and win more titles. We started the year well with the Durand Cup, and we are thirsty for more titles. We have the best fans and your continuous support will only inspire us to go for more titles.”

NorthEast United FC face Jamshedpur FC next at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday, 26th October 2024 at 5:00 PM IST.