Interview with Mehdi Ballouchy

(www.AtlasLions.eu/6 Apr. 2007) Here is an exclusive interview with MLS starlet and RSL midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy who celebrates his 24th birthday today.

1) Tell us a little about who is Mehdi Ballouchy?

Son of Driss Ballouchy and Malika Afiri. As a person, I am a laid back person. I like to hang out with friends and listen to music. I love watching soccer. As a soccer player, I am very competitive. I enjoy the game a lot, and I hate losing.

2) What has been your experience playing in MLS thus far?

It’s been great. I am glad I fit in pretty much right away in my first season, even though it usually takes a while to adjust the style and speed of play. We were three points away from a play-off spot last year. This year we have a different formation and more attacking minded team. Anything less than a playoff spot year will be considered an unsuccessful year for the organization.

3) How do you feel about Real Salt Lake’s chances this season in MLS?

We have a great group of players. We have the core of the team coming back, and a few good additions. The team clicks better now because we have spent about two years together.

3) Do you have any contact with the American or Moroccan Soccer federations?

When I first got drafted, there was a lot of paper work that needed to be worked out between the two federations as far as training expenses, fees, and releases. I personally don’t deal with either of them. They will usually contact my agent or the team general manager. I will hear about it secondly, whether it’s the Moroccan or American federations.

4) Who is your favourite soccer player? Why?

It’s hard to choose one, but these are the ones that have influenced me the most: Maradona, Fernando Redondo, and Zidane, in that order.

5) Where do you see yourself as a footballer in five years time?

I take it one day at the time; I don’t get ahead of myself. That’s the kind of person I am. My objective is to take it as far as it possibly could go.

6) Would you advise other young Moroccans to follow in your footsteps?

Nothing comes easy, it takes focus and determination. Enjoy the game, that’s the best way to learn!

7) What are your hobbies away from the field?

Watching soccer, reading, playing pool and foosball.

8) What is your favourite soccer team? Why?

I don’t have a favorite team. My favorite team is the team I play for. But I do support the teams that play a good style of football, so I enjoy watching the way Barca plays right now.

9) Any comments you would like to pass on to the Atlaslions supporters?

I just want to thank you for having me. Until the next time inchallah.

Big thanks to Mehdi and Mr. John K. (RSL) for making this interview happen and we wish Mehdi a prosperous spell with RSL and a brilliant international career.

Mehdi Ballouchy (Arabic: مهدي بلوشي‎) (born April 6, 1983 in Casablanca) is a Moroccan football (soccer) midfielder, who currently plays for the Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer.

Ballouchy moved to the United States in 2000 and played a year of college soccer at Creighton and two at Santa Clara, where he was named first team All-American in 2005. He then signed a Generation adidas contract with MLS. Ballouchy was taken second overall by Salt Lake at the 2006 MLS SuperDraft.

Ballouchy played in the youth system of Raja Casablanca. He has played for various youth Moroccan national teams. He Also played for Gunn High School in Palo Alto, California, and with Boulder Rapids Reserve in the USL Premier Development League.

He is currently in the process of becoming a US citizen.