Kerim Alajbegović, Bayer Leverkusen’s young star, was a key player in the semi-final against Wales, assisting Edina Džeki for the equalizer in the 86th minute and accurately converting the final, fifth penalty for his team. After these performances, the 18-year-old winger became the new idol of the Bosnian football audience.
Bayer Leverkusen reacted immediately, offering Alajbegović a five-year contract, after he was sent to Salzburg last year for two million euros, with the right to purchase six million. Although the club usually sells talented players, currently his future is secured, and Alajbegović now wants to ensure success in the national team, write the Italian La Gazetta.
By entering the game, Alajbegović initiated the turnaround of Bosnia and Herzegovina against Wales. His combination with Dzeko for 1-1, with a little help from goalkeeper Dawson, symbolizes a generational change in the Bosnian national team. While Kerim was born in 2007 in Cologne, Dzeko, born in 1986, was just starting his successful career in Wolfsburg.
Interview with Kerim Alajbegović
What’s it like playing with a captain who could be your father?
“I’m very young, I’m only 18, but Edin is a real legend for us. We’re all proud of what he does, and he’s an amazing person.”
Were you afraid of taking the last penalty away from home?
“No, I went for the penalty without thinking, I was sure I was going to score it and that’s how it was.”
How do you see Italy?
“We know it’s a good team, but we’re going to win. We have to win.”
Why are you so sure?
“We are playing at home, the stadium will be on fire, it will be a brutal game.”
The stadium in Zenica is small. Will it affect?
“Yes, but it is very, very noisy. I think it is one of the loudest in Europe when it comes to national teams. The power will not only be inside, but also outside on the streets – that will carry us.”
What do your teammates who play in Italy tell you?
“Kolašinac, Dzeko, Muharemović – our “Italians” are very experienced, they know the opponents and the team, that gives us an additional advantage.”
What is the greatest strength of this national team?
“Mentality, character: we never give up, everyone runs for everyone else. On Thursday in Wales, half the team had cramps, but we kept running until the end.”
What are the other qualities?
“We showed them in Cardiff. We are happy to overcome this challenge. Even at home to Wales, the game was very difficult, but we managed to equalize and in the last twenty minutes before extra time we applied a lot of pressure. We are always unique.”
As a reminder, the match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy will be played on Tuesday at the Bilino Polje stadium in Zenica, starting at 8:45 p.m.
(Vijesti.ba)
