Merdja Souleymane, a young Franco-Moroccan talent with big dreams
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At just 17, Merdja Souleymane already knows exactly where he wants to go. The young box-to-box midfielder for Jeunesse Villenavaise is part of a new generation of players who grow up dreaming of the highest level, but above all, are willing to work hard to get there. Here’s a profile of a Franco-Moroccan youngster who’s already aiming for the top.
Le Havre AC, the first big test
On May 7, Merdja Souleymane experienced a major milestone in his budding career: a trial with Le Havre AC, a club renowned for its youth academy and its expertise in developing young talent. It was a symbolic step for this player still finding his feet, but already confident in his abilities.
Before this crucial day, nerves weren’t on his mind. “I was mostly eager to show what I can do,” he admits. During the trial, several promising youngsters gathered to impress Le Havre’s scouts. Now, he’s waiting to see if he’ll get a second call-up. But his mindset remains simple and ambitious: “I want to make a real impact.”
A passion born at home
Before he even talks football, Merdja Souleymane talks about family. His love for the game started at home, fueled early on by his father’s passion. “Football came into my life through passion, and thanks to my dad,” he says simply.
From a young age, the ball became second nature for him. He began his football education at Stade Bordelais, playing from U11 to U16 before moving on to Jeunesse Villenavaise. Thanks to his performances, he quickly moved up to play with the U17 Nationals. Beneath the developing young player, there’s clearly an ambitious personality, supported by a close-knit family:
All my family supports me, but day-to-day it’s mostly my parents and my uncle.
A modern box-to-box midfielder, he loves getting involved in the play, pushing forward, and seeing plenty of the ball. But it’s his mentality, even more than his technical skills, that really stands out.
Big dreams and inspiring role models
Even at just 17, Merdja Souleymane dares to dream big. His ultimate goal is already crystal clear: to one day play for Liverpool FC.
My biggest dream is to play for Liverpool and win as many trophies as possible.
To keep moving forward, he draws inspiration from the very best. First, Cristiano Ronaldo, whom he admires for his discipline and extraordinary journey. “He started from nothing and became one of the best,” Souleymane explains. But the player who truly makes him dream when he’s on the ball is Thiago Alcântara:
He makes me dream with the way he plays.
The road to the top level is long and demanding. But with his self-belief, drive to improve, and clear ambition, Merdja Souleymane is already moving forward with the mindset of someone determined to write his own story. Definitely a prospect to keep an eye on.
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