Ayari: I can still improve

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Midfielder happy to have played successive Premier League games for the first time.

Nick Szczepanik

2024-10-28T11:00+00:00

Yasin Ayari battles for the ball against Wolves in Saturday's 2-2 draw.

Yasin Ayari was disappointed with the 2-2 draw at home to Wolves, but happy to have started back-to-back Premier League matches for the first time, playing the full 95 minutes against the men from Molineux having been in the line-up for the 1-0 victory at Newcastle.

The 21-year-old Sweden midfield player has been one of the successes of the campaign after spending last season on loan at Coventry City and Blackburn Rovers. He joined Albion from AIK Solna in January 2023 and made his debut as a substitute in the FA Cup tie against Grimsby Town two months later.

Although both loan spells were frustrating in terms of minutes played, Ayari returned to the club with plenty of confidence in his abilities. He backed himself to grab his chance if it came, and ended up playing a big part in pre-season, ensuring he would be part of Fabian Hurzeler’s plans.

“I didn’t play so much in the Championship but I’m ready,” he said. “I was ready before the season and it isn’t the biggest surprise for me to play now. I don’t feel it's a shock because I was prepared before the season.

“When I play I try to do my best and show my qualities. I know what I can do and that’s what I’m doing now. I have more in me of course, and I can still improve on a lot of things but when I get my chance I will always do my best. Now it’s going good but I’m a little bit disappointed about the result [against Wolves].

“I’m more mature and gaining more experience in the game. It's my real first season in the Premier League so I’m enjoying every single moment and every game.”

He has also become a regular for Sweden, starting all four of their Nations League matches this season and opening the scoring in the 2-2 draw in Slovakia, volleying in from 16 yards after a blocked shot had dropped to him.

“It boosts my confidence a lot to play for my country and contribute with a lot of things, goals and playing a lot of minutes,” he said. “I’m on a good run right now and I’m just going to keep improving every day.”