Mouhamed Belkheir is starting to put his stamp on the Challenger Pro League. Loaned by Fortuna Sittard, the Algerian RAAL striker was advised in his choice by a certain… Paul-José Mpoku!
Mohamed Belkheir (25 years old) probably did not expect to find himself at La Louvière at his age when, as a child, he signed his first professional contract at Inter Milan. At 14, he left for Hellas Verona, a decision he does not regret. “Even if it’s true that at this age, you perhaps don’t always know what decision is the best, what you should do, so I made mistakes,” he admits at a press conference this Thursday at the Wolves Academy.
“I pestered my parents for a very long time to get their green light and be able to sign in Italy. I knew it was easier to sign a professional contract there, and I was right since I turned pro at Inter Milan. Among the NerazzurriBelkheir rubs shoulders with some great talents, like Nicolo Zaniolo. “If he’s the best player I’ve played with? There’s also Sandro Tonali, later, at Brescia,” he points out.
Halilovic’s teammate, advised by Mpoku
“Last season, I played with Alen Halilovic at Fortuna Sittard. He’s a great player,” continues Mouhamed Belkheir. When we told him that Halilovic went to Standard and was considered a flop there, the Algerian striker bounced back: “He’s a player who also showed himself late. I know that I can do better with my career and I realize the time that passes, but I don’t give myself limits. I know my qualities.”
This is not Mouhamed Belkheir’s only connection with Standard, however distant it might be. “It was my friend Paul-José Mpoku who advised me to come to the RAAL. I met him when I was very young in Verona through a mutual friend, Sofian Kyine. Polo liked my fiery and tall side “We remained very close. He assured me that Belgium was a good choice and that the RAAL was a great project.”
Now, Belkheir, with 3 goals in 8 games so far, wants to help the Wolves dream big. “I immediately understood that it was a serious project when I spoke with David Verwilghen (recruitment manager). But yes, the level of my teammates pleasantly surprised me. I am surrounded by quality players and above all players who have the ambition to push together to achieve better, higher. That’s what makes the difference,” concludes the Algerian.
