Having joined the Fulham Academy at the age of 10, Maz Bettache has well and truly come up through the ranks and, as he reaches a crossroads in his fledgling career, he would like nothing more than to sign his first professional contract with Fulham.
By his own admission, Maz has grown considerably as both a player and individual in the past eight years, as he has witnessed vast changes both within the Club and the Academy. He fought hard to move up to the Under-18s two seasons ago, and now the Algerian youth international waits on a similar fate as he looks to make the next step.
Undoubtedly talented with the ball at his feet, Bettache is a player who catches the eye with his range of passing and impressive first touch. He moves the ball with confidence and always looks to provide his team-mates with an outlet. As the Under-18s look to make it another season to remember, Bettache will certainly play his part.
Maz Bettache - Midfielder
I have been at the Club for eight years now, but it has gone very quickly. Having been here for so long, in many ways I have grown up at Fulham. I’ve really enjoyed my time here and like to think that I have developed, not just as a player, but as a person too.
There have certainly been some ups and downs in that time, but that’s what football is all about. You have to take the rough with the smooth, because this is such an unpredictable game. When I was in the Under-16s I wasn’t sure if I was going to be kept on, and for a period I did go and have a look at other clubs. It was a difficult time, all I wanted to do was to play for Fulham, so I was glad that I got that opportunity.
I got my head down and worked as hard as I could. It was great to be part of the Under-18s side that did so well last season, winning the league was really special and invaluable experience. The play-off final was another big occasion and it was a year we can all be very proud of.
For people that haven’t seen me play either in the Under-18 side or the Development Squad, I would describe myself as a ball-playing, technical midfielder. I’m more about the attacking side of the game and like to set moves up from the middle of the park. I’m a player who is comfortable in possession and one that can play a variety of passes.
Within the Academy there are a lot of good technical players. That is something the Club promotes, they like their players to be creative and good on the ball. They constantly give players solutions to solve; in a tight space can you work your way out of trouble with a piece of skill or clever pass? We are constantly told to think about the bigger picture.
I may not be the biggest of players, but I stand up for myself out on the pitch. Sometimes the opposition think that they can push me around, but they’re soon surprised that that is far from the case. You have to give as good as you get, that’s football.
The players that I most look up to in the game have to be Xavi and Iniesta of Barcelona. Young players can learn so much from them, especially those that play in the centre of midfield. They keep things simple, pass the ball as well as anyone and just seem to always be one step ahead of the opposition.
My mum and dad are both from Algeria so, of course, Zinedine Zidane is another hero of mine. Although he was born in and played for France, he is of Algerian heritage like myself so I can relate to that. It is a shame that he didn’t play for Algeria, but everyone could appreciate how he played the game. Technically and physically he had the lot, and he’s certainly one of the best to have played the game – I still watch clips of him now.
I’ve been lucky enough to represent Algeria at Under-17 and Under-19 level. It is always a proud moment for me and my family. Of course, at the moment, I have other things to concentrate on, but long-term, it is my goal to represent the senior side. That would be amazing.
I’m one of the players who are working towards a first professional contract and it will be a nervy few months for me. It’s sad to think that my future may not lie with Fulham, but I have to be positive because I have to show what I can do between now and the end of the season. It’s difficult, but it’s part of the process of being a young footballer. Sometimes it doesn’t always go your way, the important thing is how I react to that challenge. It’s an experience that, either way, can only make me stronger.
This interview is an extract from the official Fulham matchday progamme v West Bromwich Albion on 1st February|.