Mohamed Abdalla sets sights on Ajax first-team role after record-breaking rise

Mohamed Abdalla, the 16-year-old Ajax prospect who recently became the club’s youngest European goalscorer, says he is focused on gaining regular senior experience as he continues his development with Jong Ajax.

The Sudanese-born player, who was born in the Netherlands and remains eligible to represent Sudan, provided the assist for Ajax’s goal in the reserve side’s 2-1 defeat by FC Dordrecht. Abdalla admitted he had wanted more from his own performance and believed the team should have scored more than once.

“We should have scored more than one goal and I could have done better near the opposition goal, but I did not manage it,” Abdalla said after the match.

Assessing his display, he added: “It did not go very well, nor very badly. Just normal.”

Abdalla made headlines several weeks earlier when he scored in Ajax’s first-leg match against FK Vojvodina in Champions League qualifying. The goal made him the youngest European goalscorer in Ajax’s history.

He is now building up valuable match time with Jong Ajax, a role he views as an important part of his progress rather than a setback while he waits for a more consistent place around the first-team squad.

“I have not spoken about my plans with the coach, Michel, yet, but I have discussed them with Jordi Cruyff,” he said. “Of course, you want to play for the first team, but I would rather play 90 minutes against FC Dordrecht than sit on the bench. I want to get as much playing time as possible at the highest level.”

The teenager is also training regularly with Ajax’s senior team, giving him the opportunity to learn from established players while continuing to feature for Jong Ajax.

“I am very patient and I am simply trying to learn from them,” Abdalla said. “They are world-class players and I am trying to take in as much information as possible. They help me and explain things to me.”

Among the players who have caught his attention is Brandt. Abdalla recalled the impression made during his first training session and identified the midfielder’s finishing as an example of the level he hopes to reach.

“From the first training session, he scored goals with both feet. That is the level I want to reach. He has a powerful shot, I am telling you. You will see it soon. I hope I can reach that level one day.”

Abdalla’s style has already led to comparisons with two high-profile midfielders, Jude Bellingham and Paul Pogba. The Ajax youngster says those comparisons are regularly made, although he remains at the earliest stage of his senior career.

“Bellingham and Pogba, those are comparisons I hear often,” Abdalla said.

He has also been able to gather indirect insight into both players. Caio Henrique played alongside Pogba, while Brandt played with Bellingham, allowing Abdalla to ask them about their experiences with the two stars.

“Caio Henrique played with Pogba and Brandt with Bellingham. So I asked them questions about them,” he added.