Ouazane’s Champions League assists spark Ajax first‑team hopes

Seventeen‑year‑old Abdellah Ouazane remains officially a reserve player at Ajax, yet under the watchful eye of Moroccan selector Mohamed Ouahbi he delivered two decisive assists in the Champions League qualifiers against FC Sion, showcasing a side of his game that could soon rewrite his status.

Champions League impact

Under the attentive eye of Moroccan selector Mohamed Ouahbi, Ouazane supplied two decisive passes in the Ligue des champions qualifying round against FC Sion. The assists helped Ajax secure progression and highlighted the 17‑year‑old’s ability to influence high‑stakes matches.

Path to Ajax’s first team

With Mika Godts departing for Paris Saint-Germain and no direct replacement, Ouazane now has the chance to operate as a left winger, a role he does not consider his favourite but embraces out of necessity. He began, “Je suis content de pouvoir jouer ; je suis encore jeune et je dois travailler dur, je n’ai pas le choix,” before adding in English, “I am happy to be able to play; I am still young and I have to work hard, I have no choice.”

He continued, “Quand on voit qui joue en numéro 10, la concurrence est rude avec Julian Brandt et Oscar Gloukh. Alors je saisirai ma chance comme ailier gauche, si j’ai l’occasion d’y jouer.” The quote underscores his awareness of the fierce rivalry for the number ten shirt.

In the second half, Ouazane said, “I really found my rhythm in the second half. It’s great to play with Brandt; he understands everything. He knows when to make a pass on the foot or into space, and he recognises the qualities of his teammates.” The partnership with Brandt contributed to several promising actions.

Coach Míchel has praised Ouazane’s technical comfort on the wing but warned he must still broaden his game. The young talent is working on those aspects while keeping his ultimate aim of cementing a place in Ajax’s first‑team squad.

“Officiellement, je suis toujours à Jong, je suis toujours dans le vestiaire de Jong, c’est là que je prends ma douche et que je range mes affaires. I have been training with the first team since pre‑season, but I do not yet have a place in the dressing room. I have to earn it. I hope to receive a message soon; that’s what everyone wants,” Ouazane explained. He believes the minutes he is playing indicate he is on the right track.

Au Maroc, his performances have attracted attention, and selector Mohamed Ouahbi was present in the Johan Cruijff Arena stands on Thursday. “Mais le fait qu’il soit venu me voir jouer est significatif,” Ouazane said, noting the importance of the visit.

He affirmed his ambition, stating, “I have discussed it at length with my parents. I am open to all possibilities, but I am happy with my choice. My objective is to play for Morocco. I started at U15, so it is really important for me that the national selector comes to watch me play.” The contrast between his reserve status and growing recognition suggests a pivotal period ahead.