Noussair Mazraoui is currently still in possession of an expiring contract at Ajax. The 23-year-old fullback-cum-midfielder – who scored a goal and an assist during the first league match against NEC (5-0 win) – hopes to be able to sign a new contract soon. “All parties want it and once the signatures are signed, it will come out soon enough. I hope it will work out,” Mazraoui says in conversation with the NOS.
Mazraoui is asked whether his current form also benefits his negotiating position. “Yes of course. You shouldn’t be in a bad position if you have an expiring contract, sitting in the stands or on the bench. I mainly focus on football, try to continue this line,” he replies. “I’ve been here for sixteen years. If there is appreciation from both sides, I am not the most difficult.”
“I have not submitted a wish to leave. And I don’t think: I’m getting older and now I have to take the step,” Mazraoui continues. “Of course that ambition is there. As a football player at Ajax you look good in Europe. And there are better competitions than the Dutch. I want to experience that, but I don’t have to leave for now.”
Last season, Mazraoui had to miss a few games due to various injuries. “Then it quickly looks like you’ve been out for four months. And if you miss a few matches in a short period of time, you quickly get a stamp”, reacts the Moroccan international. He now says he is doing extra work to ensure that he is top fit. “You can always develop yourself in that. I now pay more attention to my diet and you see me more in the gym.”
“I also try to get some rest and recover well. For example, I often sit in an ice bath after competitions. I really hated that in the past and that’s why I didn’t do it, but it does have its effect,” emphasizes Mazraoui. His place was taken last season by eighteen-year-old Devyne Rensch. “Ajax is known for that. And I helped them with that too. I am not the person who is going to ignore my competitors or make them feel dirty. Rensch is a positive boy with a lot of potential. I try to help him where I can.”