Erik ten Hag is very pleased with Noussair Mazraoui. The 23-year-old right back of Ajax scored another goal in the away match against Fortuna Sittard (0-5 victory), taking his season total to three goals and three assists. Ten Hag tells for the camera of ESPN that he told Mazraoui towards the end of last season that he could contribute more in an attacking sense.
“Let him be an example for many”, says Ten Hag. “Mazraoui is in top shape, he gets the most out of it and then you see that he excels. I think that’s nice to see, I hope he keeps it up. I told him that he could contribute much more offensively. In the seasons before that, he has also played some great games. Our backs often end up in attacking positions, where you can provide a goal or assist. Then you have to be willing to invest to get there.”
Ten Hag is then asked whether he has spoken to Mazraoui about extending his expiring contract. “Yes of course. We all want that. Nous would like that. I hope it comes to that. That contract is not that exciting. The game he puts on the mat is important,” Ten Hag responds. Mazraoui himself is also being treated ESPN asked about contract negotiations. “I’m definitely open to it, I’ve said that several times. There has to be a certain appreciation, that’s very simple. Finances, playing: everything, appreciation in general.”
“That’s also that you get the credit to keep playing if things don’t go well for a while. It might take a load off my shoulders when it’s completed, but I don’t give it too much attention,” continues Mazraoui. His involvement in six goals this season is, he says, the result of being ‘on it’. “The full package. That results in statistics. I’m happy with it.”
“I didn’t set any goals in terms of number of goals or assists, but I wanted to be more involved,” says Mazraoui. “Finishing my sprints in the sixteen, for example. I started to give even more offensively. I had a conversation with the trainer about the fact that my statistics could be better for a player with my qualities. I agreed and now I’m showing it. Every game I want more.”