'Potential world star' Ouazane self-critical: 'I didn't play well'

Ouazane provided an assist in Ajax's 6-1 Conference League win but was self-critical about his performance, saying he played too defensively and missed chances to attack.

Ajax thrashed FC Midtjylland 6-1 in the Conference League on Thursday, with 17-year-old winger Abdellah Ouazane contributing an assist for Tolu Arokodare's goal. However, Ouazane was not satisfied with his display, despite the emphatic victory.

Trainer Míchel Sánchez had prepared Ouazane to start on the right flank, and the young talent acknowledged his versatility but was critical of his execution. "I must be honest that I didn't play well," Ouazane said. "I think I played too much defensively today, but I love attacking. After the red card there were more moments, but I didn't take them enough. I could have done better, but everyone was involved in the beautiful goals."

Ouazane, who has been nominated for African Talent of the Year, reflected on his habit of self-analysis after every match. "If I think I played well, I say it too. I've always been like this, it helps me a lot. I know what I need to do better when I really need to step up." Former Netherlands striker Wim Kieft praised the teenager's maturity and articulate nature in interviews, while Ronald de Boer called him a "potential world star" if he stays fit.