Loved by the Genk fans, sought after on the transfer market and almost worshiped in Morocco. And Bilal El Khannouss also made himself noticed at the Extra Time table. The graceful midfielder easily joined in every discussion and did not avoid any questions. “But a transfer? Four more matches and then we’ll see,” he continues to criticize our analysts.
Made in Neerpede, but after the U15 Bilal El Khannouss chose to switch to KRC Genk.
“A nice step, especially because it was out of my comfort zone,” he says about it in Extra Time. And a choice that has done the frivolous midfielder no harm.
El Khannouss is an indispensable part of the Limburgers. He dictates the game and sets the tempo like a metronome. Although the sky-high figures are not to be seen for the time being.
“I was thinking about it a few months ago,” the 19-year-old Moroccan shrugs. “Then someone said that there are players with good grades, but they didn’t help much in the game. Although I think I should get better statistics with the qualities I have.”
A statement after which Wesley Sonck likes to praise the young midfielder: “I think you can become the absolute world top as number 8. When I see men like Modric, I think: he has that too.”
I tried to convince him to choose the Red Devils with my Genk past.
Wesley Sonck
Sonck has not recently become a fan of El Khannouss. As coach of the U19 Devils, he asked whether playing for Belgium was an option.
“I tried to convince him to choose the Red Devils with my Genk past,” the ex-striker shares. “But he told me he chose his heart. I like that. I prefer you to be direct.”
And also in the country of his heart, Morocco, the supporters are completely crazy about his mindset and way of playing football.
“Sometimes it really is exaggerated,” he laughs. “I get a lot of love from the people. I like that I can make people happy with a photo, but sometimes it’s less fun during dinner.”
Can I walk on the street in Morocco? “In some places it wasn’t. In touristy Marrakech it wasn’t a problem, but in Tangier it was unbelievable. I had to take pictures with fans everywhere.”
The Games as a springboard to European top?
This summer, El Khannouss can prepare for the Olympic Games with his country.
A beautiful stage where he can once again show his skills. Because it is certain that he will leave Genk, right?
“Four more games and then we’ll see. A lot can still happen,” the midfielder chuckles.
“But you are already learning Spanish?” asks Filip Joos. “Wablief? No, not yet,” his dinner guest responds in surprise.
Childhood friend Noah Sadiki would like to see El Khannouss leave for Bayer Leverkusen. A good option? The coach, Xabi Alonso, already speaks the language that the young player wants to learn.
“The Bundesliga is certainly one of the options,” he says with a wink.
Tags: Red Devils immense popularity future Bilal Khannouss answers questions Extra Time
