Dons’ attacking jewel Ayoub Assal sets sights on full international debut for Morocco

AFC Wimbledon forward Ayoub Assal has said that representing Morocco’s senior national side is the next step for his development in football.

The 19-year-old, born in England and raised in Deptford, qualifies to play for Morocco through his parents and was called up to a U20 training camp in November 2020.

Assal mainly features as a winger under Mark Robinson but has also played as an attacking midfielder or second striker.

Speaking to the South London Press, Assal believes that gaining international recognition is “100 per cent the next step” in his career.

He added: “I want to represent my country, where my parents are from, and where I’m from originally.

“It’s a country I hold dear to my heart because when I was a little boy, I always went back there in the summer. I had a great time with my family there.

“It’s always an achievement to represent the country you’re from.”

The winger has scored four goals in his last three appearances, including his first brace of the season in the 4-3 FA Cup second round win over Cheltenham Town – and his AFC Wimbledon head coach Mark Robinson has backed Assal to take the leap into international football.

Robinson said: “He’s a very driven lad, and he’s capable of making anything happen for himself.

“He’s quick – he’s got great feet. He’s a player that can go through the levels and still be effective.

“Obviously it will be a learning process for him – similar to how it has been stepping up to Wimbledon’s first team – but he is more than capable of going through the levels.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD