When AFC Wimbledon sold influential midfielder Ayoub Assal in January this year, it left a huge hole in the Dons’ attacking options. It was though, too good an opportunity for both the club and the player.
Born in Maidstone, but of Moroccan heritage, the young player signed pro terms with the Southwest London team and was soon making his debut, going on to play 78 times and scoring 17 goals.
Prodigious Talent
An instant hit with fans for his no-nonsense style of play that saw him a victim of many a robust challenge. He had a clause in his contract that was triggered by Qatar Stars League side Al-Wakrah. After completing his move, for a reported £1.1m, he was sent on loan to nearby club Al-Markhiya.
He has though since returned to the club that had enough faith in the 21-year-old to give him a five-year deal. And he has repaid them with some early-season form that has seen him bag three goals and two assists.
The talent of The Blue Wave 🌊
Ayoub Assal is the Best Under-23 Player for the months of August and September🏆👏#ExpoStarsLeague | #QSLBest pic.twitter.com/vGdUJQBJBb
— Qatar Stars League (@QSL_EN) October 19, 2023
This was enough to earn him the Expo Stars League U23 Best Player award for August and September. Al-Wakrah, The Blue Wave, currently sit third in the table after five games, in a league that has 12 teams.
Assal has spent time with the Morocco U20 team in the past, and even though that particular side has very high expectations after a great 2022 World Cup, if the former Don carries on in this form he could be their next breakout star.
Writer’s View
Ayoub Assal is the kind of raw talent that gets everyone on their feet whenever they receive the ball. Sometimes he could try one trick too many or be too selfish with the ball. That though is a sign of confidence, and also growing into his game. The moment the clause was met Wimbledon had little option but to let the winger go. The fact that he has carried on where he left off, is great news for fans of the club, and those that helped nurture his talent early on. With the next World Cup coming at the end of his current contract, there is no reason why we won’t see Assal there.
