ISL 2023-24: Choosing Mumbai City FC was an easy decision for me – Abdenasser El Khayati

Dutch midfielder Abdenasser El Khayait has revealed choosing Mumbai City FC was an easy decision for him in the ongoing Indian Super League 2023-24 season. Khayati was a free agent after parting ways with Chennaiyin FC.

The Dutch midfielder had delivered the goods for the Marina Machans in the previous season of the ISL 2022-23, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in 12 matches he played in the tournament.

Khayati will definitely add value to the team’s midfield and he will look to be at his absolute best for Des Buckingham’s team.

The veteran has the experience of playing as a winger as well as a central midfielder and he will look to replicate the same success for the Islanders.

Furthermore, Khayati has played most of his football in Eredivisie, the Netherlands’ top-tier football league. The Dutch started his football career with the youth academy of Excelsior before joining the Feyenoord youth team in 2003. Subsequently, he made a move to RKSV Leonidas’ youth department. He made his professional debut for Den Bosch in the Eerste Divisie in 2008.

He has played for clubs like Queens Park Rangers, ADO Den Haag, Burton Albion, and Kozakken Boys in a career that is more than 14 years long.

Abdenasser El Khayati said in an ISL official website, “Yes, it was indeed quite late. But you know, in football, things happen very quickly, and when they approached me, I realized that I could also have some AFC Champions League games under my belt, which would be a valuable addition to my career since I haven’t played in the Champions League in Europe. So, it was an easy decision for me.”

The Dutch added he is enjoying playing under the tutelage of Des Buckingham in the ongoing season of the ISL.

He said, “Of course, I am enjoying it (playing under him), but I also want to prove myself first before I can enjoy it even more. But yeah, I am enjoying it. The way we want to play, the coach is very attack-minded, you know the quality he has to let everyone play to their full potential, which is a great quality he has.”

Mumbai City have won two out of the three matches they have played this season, with one ending in a draw.