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 Asmat El Ouargui |
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Asmat is the first and hopefully will not be the last overseas player to join The Academy. When The Academy was first formed some years ago it was always anticipated that the club would entice players from over the North Sea from the likes of Holland and Denmark, and while the flood gates have not been fully opened it is hoped that Asmat will become the first of a steady trickle of overseas players to join the set-up. Asmat came to Norwich on trial during the summer of 2004 on the recommendation of fellow Dane Brian Reemer, who has good contacts with Norwich through Academy Manager Ricky Martin. Asmat made a good impression during his trial period, so much so that he was offered a scholarship. Unfortunately complications prevented him from coming to Norwich until the autumn and then once he was here there was a period that he needed to settle down in England as Ricky explains. "Asmat needed a little time to settle into the English way of life but he was helped very much by his excellent knowledge of the English language." "This season he has made the break into the Reserves on a regular basis and it is here that he will need to impress the first team coaching staff if he is to be offered a professional contract. He continues to play well for the Under-18's, scoring recently at Charlton. He has until December 2006 to impress and it will be his performances for Keith Webb that decide weather he gains a professional contract." This season Asmat has formed a good partnership with both Chris Martin and Bally Smart, indeed it was Bally who set up the goal at Charlton. The Academy will be looking for a good draw when they enter the 2005/06 F.A.Youth Cup in next month's third round and doubtless Asmat will remember the same stage last year when he came on as a substitute to score the winning goal against Burnley at Turf Moor in extra time. Let's hope for more of the same this season. Q+A with Asmat El Ouargui 1. Which team did you support as a boy and who was your boyhood hero? Barcelona, Zidane. 2. What has been the highlight of your career to date? Joining Norwich City as a scholar. 3. Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date? My family and friends including my girlfriend Cecile 4. What are your hopes for the 2005/06 season? To continue to play well for the Reserves and break into the first team squad, and maybe represent my country. 5. Away from football how do you like to spend your time? Staying at home with my room mate Robert Eagle and playing on the computer, and phoning my family in Denmark. 6. If you had not become an Academy Scholar what do you imagine you would now be doing? Studying medicine. |
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