Abdessalam Benjelloun
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Benjelloun | ||
Personal information | ||
---|---|---|
Full name | Abdessalam Benjelloun | |
Date of birth | January 28, 1985 (age 21) | |
Place of birth | Unknown, Morocco | |
Height | 185cm | |
Nickname | Benji | |
Position | Centre forward Striker |
|
Club information | ||
Current club | Hibernian | |
Number | 10 | |
Professional clubs* | ||
Years | Club | Apps (goals) |
2006-present |
Moghreb Fes Hibernian |
|
National team** | ||
2004-present | Morocco | 6 (3) |
* Professional club appearances and goals |
Abdessalam "Benji" Benjelloun (born 28 January 1985) is a Moroccan professional football player currently playing for Scottish Premier League club Hibernian. He also plays at international level for the Moroccan Olympic (Under-23) team.
Benjelloun trained with Hibs for many weeks during the early part of 2006, while Hibs assessed whether to sign him, and then underwent the complex process of obtaining the documentation (such as a work permit and international clearance) needed to sign him. During this time, rumours grew on Hibs-related internet sites that Hibs had unearthed a major talent, so expectations were high when Benjelloun's signing was formally announced in March 2006.
He made his debut for Hibernian in the disastrous 4-0 loss in the 2006 Scottish Cup semi-final loss to local rivals Hearts on 2 April 2006. Tony Mowbray has since admitted that it was perhaps unfair to Benjelloun to have to make his first appearance in Scottish football in such an important game, but Mowbray's options were limited due to injuries (Chris Killen), suspensions (Derek Riordan), cup transfer rules (Paul Dalglish) and the recent sale of Garry O'Connor.
Benjelloun then made his home debut three days later in a 2-1 win against Kilmarnock. Benjelloun then demonstrated his potential in a match on 22 April 2006 against Hearts, when he came off the bench to score the winning goal. Consequently, 'Benji' became an instant hero with the Hibernian supporters, although his goal celebration caused some controversy. He ran wildly towards the Hearts supporters, having scored the goal at the other end of the ground. Fortunately the Hibs goalkeeper, Zibi Malkowski, managed to prevent Benji from reaching the Hearts supporters, or a major incident could have ensued.
He is currently contracted to Hibernian until 2010 and is regarded as a good prospect for the future. A fellow Moroccan, Merouane Zemmama, has since been signed by Hibs, and it is thought this should help Benji to settle into Scottish football.
[edit] References
Hibernian F.C. - Current Squad |
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1 Simon Brown | 2 Whittaker | 3 Murphy | 4 Zemmama | 5 Jones | 6 Stewart | 7 Scott Brown | 8 Thomson | 9 Killen | 10 Benjelloun | 11 Glass | 12 Martis | 13 Morrow | 14 Beuzelin | 15 Hogg | 17 Sproule | 18 McCluskey | 20 Fletcher | 21 Baillie | 22 Shiels | 23 McDonald | 24 Shields | 26 Stevenson | 29 Konde | 30 A. Brown | 31 Małkowski | 32 Ayres | 34 Campbell | 35 Lynch | 41 McNeil | Manager: Collins |