Last Saturday he scored his first goal flor Beerschot, six days later he signed his contract as a professional contract until 2025. Ilias Sebaoui is the name, a 20 year old offensive midfielder and a genuine product of Beerschot's Youth Academy. From now on a full member of Lucho Torrente's first team squad, extremely gifted, very eager, motivated and ready to rumble.
"I have worked very hard over the years with just one goal in mind: getting in Beerschot's first team. I am so happy I have achieved my dream now. This is a new beginning, the start of my professional career as a footballer. I can't thank my family and all my coaches enough for their support and good advice. It is all up to me know to prove muself on the highest level", Ilias says.
Marc Noé, Beerschot's Academy coordinator, has nothing but praise for Ilias Sebaoui. "He is technically strong, confident and can make the difference with a good run taking on a couple of defenders. Just as he showed last weekend against Zulte Waregem. This season he has become an all rounder, focusing a lot on power and condition in the gym. On top of that his performances with Beerschot's U21 were strong and consistent. Assisting and scoring handfuls of goals."
"His mentality and approach are top as well. When he was told before the season that he couldn't join the first team squad on the pre season training camp he was obviously disappointed but didn't sulk or made a scene. On the contrary, he decided to work even harder. And now look where that brought him. That's the only way to make the grade. He did that with flying colours. Next step for him is to confirm his work ethos day after day."
Academy Manager Davy De Smedt is a happy man as well. "Ilias Sebaoui beng offered a professional contract is a good sign for everyone else at our Academy. It paves the way for other players who were and are in his shoes. It shows hard work pays off. Good luck to Seba and well done to all his coaches at Beerschot who set him on the way the last couple of years ... and even before that."
