Ait El Hadj Shines in Genk’s New System: Belgian-Moroccan Midfielder’s Resurgence

"It’s a great pleasure to play matches again," Ait El Hadj smiles. "The last few months haven’t been the easiest. I was always ready to play, but I hardly ever had the chance. But I kept working hard and I’m rewarded now."

The key to this rebirth, according to Ait El Hadj, lies in Genk’s new playing system, with a five-man defense and more freedom for the attacking midfielders. "This system suits me perfectly," he says. "I can express myself between the lines and that’s where I’m at my best."

His former teammates, David Hubert and Jonas De Roeck, are full of praise for his performances. "He’s a complete footballer with a huge engine," says De Roeck. "And he has everything it takes to succeed at the highest level."

Hubert agrees: "Anouar must first become an undisputed starter at Genk. But I’m convinced he has the potential to play abroad in the long run."

Ait El Hadj, who grew up in Molenbeek, still has Brussels in his heart. "I love Brussels," he says. "And it’s mutual. I still have a lot of friends there and we try to see each other as often as possible."

Next week, Ait El Hadj will be 22 years old. And what could be more special than hosting his former club Anderlecht on that day? "It will always be a special game for me," he concludes. "But we’re focusing on Cercle Bruges first. We want to win every game and we’ll see where we finish."

The Moroccan does not want to talk about the title race yet. "We’re not thinking about it for now," he says. "We just want to win every match we face and we’ll see where we end up."