Guwahati: NorthEast United FC forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie has hit the ground running right from the get-go of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 campaign with five goals scored in as many matches.
The Moroccan ace is only the second player in ISL history 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.
Expressing his views on ISL, Ajaraie spoke about his first impression of the league, teammates and coach Juan Pedro Benali’s role in settling him 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 added.
The 31-year-old went on to reveal his thoughts on the teammates in the squad who have impressed him the most so far.
“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,” Ajaraie said.
With seven goal contributions in his first five games in ISL, Ajaraie has certainly taken the league by storm.
Alaeddine Ajaraie celebrating after scoring against Chennaiyin FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Assam’s Guwahati
In the five matches that he has featured for NorthEast United FC, 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.
“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,” he said.
NorthEast United FC have garnered five points in as many matches so far in the ongoing campaign and 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,” he added.
NorthEast United FC faces Jamshedpur FC next at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Assam’s Guwahati on October 26 at 5.00 pm.
