Shy and withdrawn – at least in public contexts – he becomes almost embarrassed by all the praise pouring in, not least after the performance against Slovakia on Saturday.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