India, Feb. 23 -- Throughout its history, the Indian Super League has been graced by numerous exceptional strikers who have captivated audiences. From the likes of Dimitar Berbatov to David Trezeguet, fans have witnessed the brilliance of legendary players on Indian soil. This current ISL season continues that tradition, yet the player who has made a significant impact is not among the well-known names like Diego Forlan. NorthEast United has demonstrated its strategic prowess by acquiring Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie, whose remarkable skills have left opposing defenders in disarray.

Prior to his arrival in India, Ajaraie was relatively unknown, but he has quickly established himself as a prolific scorer, making him one of the most valuable signings in the league's brief history. Reports indicate that NorthEast secured Ajaraie on a one-plus-one-year contract, which includes performance bonuses for achieving 12-14 goals and assists per season. However, he has far exceeded expectations, currently leading the ISL as the top scorer with an impressive tally of 20 goals, surpassing the previous joint-record of 20 goals held by Ferran Corominas (2017-18) and Bartholomew Ogbeche (2021-22).

In addition to his goal-scoring prowess, Ajaraie has also contributed five assists, further solidifying his status as an ideal striker for the Indian Super League. In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, he reflected on his inaugural season in India and expressed admiration for young NorthEast defender Buanthanglun Samte. He also celebrated Morocco's achievements at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Here are some highlights from the interview:

I am fortunate to be part of a talented team and supportive coaching staff. We are committed to improving every day, and through hard work and dedication, we see the results manifest.

Samte is an exceptional player with a remarkable left foot. In our style of play, he consistently positions himself in offensive areas to deliver crosses and create opportunities. If he continues to work diligently and perform well, he has the potential to represent the national team.

In my view, Sunil Chhetri stands out as the finest striker in Indian football. His performance at the highest level is truly remarkable. What resonates with me the most is his humility; when I requested his jersey, he graciously handed it to me without hesitation. I have a deep admiration for players like Chhetri who embody such modesty.

I would assess the level of competitiveness in Indian football as an eight out of ten, indicating that it is significantly more competitive than in many other nations.

The atmosphere within the dressing room is exceptional. Our unity serves as our greatest strength. The team operates as a cohesive unit, dedicated to our goals and diligently striving each day to meet those objectives.

Representing one’s country is always a challenging yet honorable endeavor. I acknowledge the difficulty of securing a position in the Moroccan national team, given the numerous players competing in Europe. Nevertheless, I am pleased with my performance and the respect I have garnered.

I am familiar with several players who participated in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Their experiences were remarkable, and it is not only the players but also Morocco as a nation that cherishes positive memories from the tournament.

Our main objective is to advance to the playoffs. It is a collective effort; the entire team is committed to achieving this goal.

I have been overwhelmed by the love and respect I have received from fans across various states in Northeast India, which is truly humbling. Witnessing children emulate the Luffy celebration on the fields brings me immense happiness. I kindly urge our fans to continue supporting the team and to shower us with their love and respect.

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