Back at FC Utrecht, Labyad is almost back to normal: ‘Just a few more percent’

He was the last to give FC Utrecht a European victory, with his winning goal in 2017 in the Europa League match against Zenit Saint Petersburg. Zakaria Labyad is back in his hometown. And that creates expectations.

That is also allowed, says Labyad. Although a knee injury kept him off the field for a long time, he is almost back to his old self. “I’m still a few percent off that.”

History repeats itself a bit for 29-year-old Labyad, who previously breathed new life into his career under trainer Erik ten Hag (2016-2018) on the familiar soil of his hometown. He earned a million-dollar transfer to Ajax, the club that did not renew his expiring contract.

“I mainly have the urge to prove myself,” says Labyad on the eve of his return to the fields. “I am now looking forward to the first minutes in a full stadium.”

The duel with Sparta Rotterdam came a little too early on Friday, more than ten months after he had suffered a serious knee injury at Ajax. Spakenburg awaits on Tuesday in the quarterfinals of the KNVB Cup, on Friday Fortuna Sittard will visit the number seven in the premier league in the premier league.

Although he only signed a one and a half year contract last week, with an option for an extra season, Labyad was already entering during the last months of his rehabilitation.

“Even though I did not train with the group, I was already at the meetings of the trainer with the team,” says the attacking midfielder. “I found that interesting. Actually, it gave me a step ahead.”

Labyad immediately felt the mutual appreciation, reason for him not to opt for a foreign adventure. “The group also wanted me to be there. They also included me in all processes. It gives a warm feeling to be back.”

He could also have gone to Italy, the lure of a major competition certainly made him doubt. “It was incredibly difficult. As a footballer you want to experience things, for example a new culture. The confidence they have in me here and I in Utrecht has been decisive.”

Trainer Michael Silberbauer watched it all from a distance and gave Labyad plenty of room to integrate into the group. “He was often there. Hopefully he has already picked up on it”, he refers to the tactical discussions.

As much as Labyad wants to, Silberbauer wants to bring him gently. Partly because of this, he was also missing on the form on Friday. “We could also see in training that he is a good player. But he has been out for a long time and so he needs some time.”