Neil El Aynaoui, 22, is currently shining for Racing Club de Lens. Son of Younes, former world number 14 in tennis, the Atlas Lion Cub has taken on a new dimension this season, and is establishing himself in the Sang et Or's midfield.
Neil El Aynaoui is enjoying a memorable season with Racing Club de Lens. The young Moroccan (22) has impressed in midfield for the Sang et Or since the start of the season. Having arrived last summer from Nancy Lorraine (for 600,000 euros), the Lion Cub of the Atlas has played 23 matches in all competitions, including 13 starts, scoring one goal and providing two assists. A first season at the highest level he certainly hadn't dreamed of.
"I try to do my job, concentrate on myself and on everything I have to do. It's not my nature to turn up and have everyone notice me. Now, if you'd asked me a year ago if I was going to play this much, I wouldn't have thought it. It can only encourage me in my day-to-day work," confided the main man concerned in comments relayed by L'Équipe.
His hard work and unfailing discipline were noticed by his coach, Franck Haise. The latter gave him his first start against Olympique de Marseille on Matchday 12 (won by Lens 1-0) and the Moroccan responded with a fine performance, praised by Haise after the match.Related article: Liga Portugal: Simon Benza scores with Braga
"He's remarkable in training. At some point, I had to give him the opportunity to express himself at the start of a match. I have confidence in him and he lived up to expectations. He played a great game defensively and offensively. He showed a lot of personality. He's been working well for a very long time now, and his inputs are good. It's only natural that he should get his chance," he said after the final whistle, according to Le Figaro.
Guided by a father who excelled in tennis
Renowned for his solidity, Neil El Aynaoui also stands out for his high volume of play, maturity and professionalism.Qualities instilled from an early age. He grew up with a father who was a professional athlete. El Aynaoui is the son of Younes, the world's top 15 tennis player (November 2003), who also has five titles to his name, including a quarter-final appearance at the Australian Open and the US Open, and a round-of-16 finish at Roland-Garros.
"My parents are an inspiration
They instilled in me all those little details of the great pros. My father never forced me. He let us touch everything. Soccer was my passion. I was lucky enough to be trained at the club where my whole family was present (Nancy). My mother was with me when I arrived at Lens (last summer)", admits the young midfielder in comments relayed by L'Equipe.
An unfinished taste with Morocco
The young man has one cap to his name with the U23s.It was during the victory over Brazil (1-0) on September 7.A match marked by tragedy. The following day, a terrible earthquake struck the Kingdom of Morocco. "I was in my hotel room after playing against Brazil the day before. All of a sudden, I saw the TV in my room start to move, and it almost fell off. I went outside to try and find out what was going on. I never thought I'd experience such a catastrophe on my first cap," he recalled in an interview with L'Équipe.
💪 Neil El Aynaoui 🇲🇦
Le plus haut total pour un joueur de Lens lors d'un match de championnat depuis Florian Sotoca le 6 mai dernier contre... l'OM (22 duels dont 12 remportés) ✊ ! #RCLOM (1-0) pic.twitter.com/5Jeq7SUz6E
— Ligue 1 Uber Eats (@Ligue1UberEats) November 12, 2023
With his current performances with RC Lens, he is well on the way to competing in the 2024 Olympic Games with the Atlas Lions and why not join Walid Regragui's team?
