Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson has admitted that Moroccan international Ayoub Mouloua is a top talent who at times drives him crazy. The summer signing from FUS Rabat has already shown in his short time at the club that he is capable of the unexpected, arriving in a six-figure deal.
Mouloua scored his first goal against Motherwell and netted a breath-taking Panenka in the Premier Sports quarter-final penalty shootout win at Kilmarnock.
Robinson on Mouloua's maverick style
Robinson confirmed: "He does things that drive me crazy as well, yes. He won't know that because he's still learning English, but you've seen his goal. He's a talented boy."
"He's strong physically as well. He's coped with the Scottish game physically, which is the big test for every player that comes from abroad. He's got goals in him and is always in the right position."
The 23-year-old is a bit of an old-school maverick who can produce something different. His manager explained: "He just tries little tricks and flicks and when they come off, they're brilliant. So, no, we encourage him. We want him to express himself."
Patience and international ambitions
Robinson is confident that Aberdeen have only scratched the tip of the iceberg and Mouloua will get even better when he adapts to Scottish football and gets up to top speed. He has already proved to be a popular addition to the dressing room, with Robinson insisting: "Ayoub is a character. The boys like him. He's fitting in really well. I think he'll get better with time. Everybody that comes to Aberdeen, everybody wants instant success and we all want that, but that isn't the case for a lot of players."
Mouloua already has two Moroccan caps and played a couple of games for his country at the 2024 African Cup of Nations. Robinson wants him to force his way into the Morocco squad on a permanent basis.
Mouloua has had to remain patient, with captain and top scorer Kevin Nisbet starting the season on fire, netting 12 goals in 13 games. Robinson added: "We want as many internationals at the football club as possible. Ayoub has obviously been there before. He needs a run of games and a run of starts. He's got big competition with Kevin Nisbet and Toy, who've been excellent for us."
The Dons gave first-team action to Emmanuel Gyamfi, Ante Palaversa and Hicham Mahou in the KDM Trophy defeat at Banks O' Dee. Robinson will be looking to give more game time to some of his fringe players when a young Dons side take on Cove Rangers in the same competition on Saturday.
