SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Ayari on the praise: "I just do my best"

In a short time, Yasin Ayari has established himself in what is considered the world's best league and in the national team. The 21-year-old is the midfielder of the autumn in Swedish football. I'm just trying to do my best and play my game, he says.

» Published: November 18 2024

Ayari on the praise: "I just do my best"
Photo: Jakob Åkersten Brodén/TT

Shy and withdrawn – at least in public contexts – he becomes almost embarrassed by all the praise pouring in, not least after the performance against Slovakia on Saturday.

I've heard a little from family and friends, no more than that. They thought I did well and they're proud.

How did you think it went?

Alright. I always try to go out and do my best and show that I want to play.

Just "alright"?

It felt good, says Ayari modestly.

"Clearly, it helps"

Jon Dahl Tomasson was well aware of Ayari's qualities when the Dane took over as national team coach. Tomasson, then manager of Blackburn Rovers, loaned in Ayari from Brighton in January. A period that did the midfielder good.

He has his principles, is very clear about them. He had them there and he has them here, says Ayari.

Was it an advantage for you to have had him as club coach?

I didn't have him for long, but clearly, it helps.

Ayari returned to Brighton last summer. Since then, manager Fabian Hürzeler has given him great confidence.

In the national team, Ayari has emerged as a winner in the tough competition on the central midfield.

"Takes enormous steps"

It was his fifth start. We're building a new team, but also a very young team. There are many players who haven't made that many national team appearances. When it comes to Ayari, he takes enormous steps, the young man. It was delightful to see his performance, said Tomasson after the 2–1 win over Slovakia.

Then Ayari was involved in the leading goal already after three minutes. It was he who found Alexander Isak with an opening pass, whereupon Isak played in goal-scorer Viktor Gyökeres.

Dejan Kulusevski gladly joined the chorus that praised Ayari.

Yasin was incredible today too. It bodes well that he's also coming forward. Suddenly, player after player comes. Yasin is one of them and I'm incredibly proud of him.

Midfield colleague Anton Salétros is not the least surprised by Ayari's development.

No news. He's been good for a long time. It's fantastic to see how skilled he is. He's doing incredibly well in the Premier League. It's worked well between us. The more matches you play together, the better it gets.

The national team concludes the Nations League against Azerbaijan on Tuesday evening.

Tags

TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Malmö to Cup Final after Extra Time Drama

Malmö to Cup Final after Extra Time Drama

Isak scores when Newcastle wins the league cup final

Isak scores when Newcastle wins the league cup final

Malmö to Cup Final after Extra Time Drama

Malmö to Cup Final after Extra Time Drama

"The Players" Cancelled - Tornado Warning Issued

"The Players" Cancelled - Tornado Warning Issued

After the drama – the giant talent decided for DIF

After the drama – the giant talent decided for DIF

Great Disappointment in Luleå: "It Sucks"

Great Disappointment in Luleå: "It Sucks"

Historic Goal Scorer: "It's Incredibly Fun"

Historic Goal Scorer: "It's Incredibly Fun"

Unexpected Match Hero in the London Derby

Unexpected Match Hero in the London Derby

Frölunda takes historic gold: "It's magical"

Frölunda takes historic gold: "It's magical"

Swedish success: Victory in the mixed relay

Swedish success: Victory in the mixed relay

Häcken reaches cup final: "Maximum luck"

Häcken reaches cup final: "Maximum luck"

Sweden second in single mixed relay: "A revenge"

Sweden second in single mixed relay: "A revenge"

Footballer Doris Fitschen has died

Footballer Doris Fitschen has died

The Surprise Winner: "I've been fumbling a bit in the dark"

The Surprise Winner: "I've been fumbling a bit in the dark"

Got a club around the neck – leaves reassuring message

Got a club around the neck – leaves reassuring message

Ancelotti after the win: "Never again"

Ancelotti after the win: "Never again"

Norris wins chaotic and wet F1 premiere

Norris wins chaotic and wet F1 premiere

Nylander's cheeky solo goal – Ullmark helpless

Nylander's cheeky solo goal – Ullmark helpless

Rune Ready for the Final: "Very Proud"

Rune Ready for the Final: "Very Proud"

Villa Lidköping Swedish Champions – Crushed Edsbyn

Villa Lidköping Swedish Champions – Crushed Edsbyn

Malmö through to quarterfinal – eliminated rival

Malmö through to quarterfinal – eliminated rival

The World Cup Final Was Blown Away: "Really Stupid"

The World Cup Final Was Blown Away: "Really Stupid"

Took the first title – gets to celebrate until 9 pm

Took the first title – gets to celebrate until 9 pm

Sizzling Elanga with two goals in four minutes

Sizzling Elanga with two goals in four minutes

Debacle in the Final Shoot for Samuelsson

Debacle in the Final Shoot for Samuelsson

Sweden took their second consecutive win against Norway

Sweden took their second consecutive win against Norway

Poromaa second in Holmenkollen: "Damn pleased"

Poromaa second in Holmenkollen: "Damn pleased"

Tough day for the Öberg sisters – Magnusson flawless

Tough day for the Öberg sisters – Magnusson flawless

Västerås broke Villa-Lidköping's winning streak – won the National Championship final

Västerås broke Villa-Lidköping's winning streak – won the National Championship final

Möregårdh eliminated in China – the world number two was too tough

Möregårdh eliminated in China – the world number two was too tough

Andersson Disqualified: "I'm Damned"

Andersson Disqualified: "I'm Damned"

Håkanson returns to Linköping

Håkanson returns to Linköping

New success for Stina Nilsson: "A fantastic day"

New success for Stina Nilsson: "A fantastic day"

Kenyan athlete banned for doping – could give Almgren the win

Kenyan athlete banned for doping – could give Almgren the win

Sweden started the Curling World Championship with double wins

Sweden started the Curling World Championship with double wins

Double McLaren at the top – the champion third

Double McLaren at the top – the champion third

Swedish Team Captain Out Indefinitely

Swedish Team Captain Out Indefinitely

Teenager knocks out world number two

Teenager knocks out world number two

Åberg eliminated: "Disappointed and frustrated"

Åberg eliminated: "Disappointed and frustrated"

The Anger After the Final Loss: "Everyone Hates Luleå"

The Anger After the Final Loss: "Everyone Hates Luleå"