Continuation of our series of interviews with young Algerian talents. SCO promise, Djibril Ousmail is part of the final list of 23 players selected for the 2021 U20 Arab Cup which will officially start this weekend in Egypt.
This interview was carried out a month ago, following Djibril Ousmail’s internship in junior selection.
Djibril, could you introduce yourself and present your background to DZfoot readers?
My name is Djibril Ousmail and I play at SCO d’Angers as a defensive midfielder. I grew up in Aubervilliers, like Haris Belkebla who plays today in Brest (Ligue 1 Uber Eats). I started football very early and I played at JA Drancy until U12 where I joined the Red Star. Two years later, I went to Montfermeil before signing for Angers despite a proposal from Real Sociedad which did not suit me. The SCO facilities and the contract they offered suited me, and suited my father.
On the pitch, what type of defensive midfielder are you?
Above all, I am a player who likes to defend well. I’m constantly looking for the ball, I really like Thiago Motta or Lassana Diarra in the profile. I throw myself forward a lot, I’m a very rough player and I like pressing, it’s also one of my strengths. Finally, I will say that I have a lot of stamina, which is essential for my position.
12th signing this season !!!!! Congratulations to OUSMAIL Djibril born in 2003 for her signature at SCO Angers for a period of 3 years. The 7th 2003 player from the club to join a pro club. FCM # TRAINING # TALENTS # GENERATION2003 pic.twitter.com/6D3uhZNuRe
— Fc Montfermeil (@FCMontfermeil) May 4, 2018
From a more personal point of view, where is your situation with Angers?
My parents are discussing for the future, whether with Angers or with other clubs. We have not yet decided on the choice of the agent with whom this should be done, but what matters is that there is trust between each of the parties involved.
Do you feel in good shape despite the season ended prematurely?
With COVID, it has been difficult to compete. However, we were able to talk to each other by playing matches against the various French training centers. Everything has always gone well for me on a personal level so far.
“It is a source of pride to wear the colors of my country. It’s a choice of the heart ”
You are bi-national Franco-Algerian and you evolve in Europe. How did you get in touch with the FAF?
The Federation sent an email to my club and summoned me for an internship in Algiers, quite simply. This internship then went very well and, today, I am one of the 23 participating in the Arab Cup.
What is your relationship with Algeria? Is your choice to opt for the Greens final?
Personally, and since I was little, I have always wanted to play for Algeria. I always said it to my father, also for my grandparents who are now deceased. Even if the French team offers me the selection, my choice is definitely confirmed. Since I was little I have been going to Algeria, even if since the Covid it has not been possible.
What region are you from?
I am from Tizi-Ouzou, we have our family home there, where I have spent all my summer holidays in the village since I was young. My mother, meanwhile, comes from Nedroma, towards Tlemcen.
Like Hannibal Mejbri with Tunisia, we see more and more binationals choosing their country of origin. How do you explain that?
African teams are football countries and today they shine on the international scene as well as in the biggest competitions. Personally, I didn’t ask myself any questions, it was obvious to me. When I received the summons I was happy and proud, I immediately called my father. He was happy, he was just waiting for his son to be called up for the Algerian selection. It is a pride to wear the colors of my country. It is a choice of the heart.
– Djibril Ousmail (defensive midfielder, 18, U19 Angers SCO) had his first two selections with the U20s of Algeria.
He participated and won two friendly matches: 45 mins Paradou B (2-1) and 35 mins U19 of Paradou (2-1).
Congratulations Djibril! ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/AkINPT3tmX
– ⚫️⚪️ (@IncroyableSCO) May 26, 2021
You are quite a few binational players in this group of young people. How was your integration with the local players?
Honestly, I must say that the Algerian Football Federation welcomed us very well. The organization was good, we were comfortable. The beginnings with the locals were at first a little complicated because we did not know each other. However, after the first training sessions, things were going much better on the pitch, and then we started to know each other and to laugh together. We have created links to form a real group. Even at the hotel there was a good atmosphere.
«The local player is a real ball player»
European players are sometimes loaded with clichés about local players. In what state of mind did you apprehend this discovery of football on Algerian soil?
I knew they were all ball players. I already knew the USMA, the JS Kabylie. I’ve been to derbies before, there was a big atmosphere. We can feel it directly on the pitch that they are quality players. We can see it clearly with the players who succeed here, like the Atal or the Slimani. Moreover, we played against two great Paradou teams recently and that easily confirms all that. They played very well together and wanted to win consistently. There were very few cleared balls, it plays clean. I played both matches. It was great.
The Algeria U20 national team in Egypt #TeamDZ
Ahmed Gaid (CR Belouizdad )
Djibril Ousmail (Angers)
Oussama Mellala (CA Batna)
Samy Mahour (Gent )
Amine Said (Nantes )
Hamza Boualem (USM Algiers) pic.twitter.com/gysYNUqwcA— DZfoot English ⚽️ (@DZfoot_EN) June 19, 2021
What are your ambitions for the next Arab Cup?
I am in a hurry to carry the colors of Algeria high and proud. I hope we get as far as possible and lift the cup. In any case, we will give ourselves the means and the coach prepares us physically and mentally for it. We didn’t necessarily all know each other before but, in view of the first matches played together, we quickly found links. For a team that had never played together, it’s a good start, and it’s promising. I can’t wait to be in the Fennecs outfit for an official match.
What are your personal goals with the Greens?
I am naturally determined and ambitious, and the selection boosted me even more. I really hope to be able, in the long term, to evolve under the orders of Djamel Belmadi with the A.
And in a club, how do you see the rest from now on? It’s already time to see knocking on the door of the pros.
My parents are in discussions with several clubs. I don’t take care of it myself. Me is the land, and they are the rest! For the rest, of course, if I am given my chance, I will take it and give it my all.
DZfoot
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