Hull City’s youth product Ahmed Salam talks to KingFut about his career, his favorite players and the possibility of representing Egypt.
Born in England to Egyptian parents, Salam, 16, plays as left-back or winger. He has divided his playing time this season between the U-16 and U-18 Hull City sides. The young Pharaoh has been with Hull City’s youngsters for five years now, and he has just been offered a scholarship with the club and promoted to the U-18 side. Speaking to Mohamed Tosson, Salam revealed all about his experience at Hull.
Ahmed comes from a football inclined family; his two brothers play for Sunday league sides in England. Omar, 17, plays for North Ferriby United, and Khalid, 11 plays for Sproatley FC.
Tosson: Let’s start from the beginning Ahmed, tell us about yourself and how you started playing football?
Salam: I started at Victoria Dock Rangers, a Sunday league team. I then went to the Leeds development centre until I was 11, when I was scouted by Hull City, where I play until now.
MT: Were you born in Egypt? And do you visit often?
AS: I was born in England, and yes we all go to Egypt every year.
MT: Your father told me you have been promoted to Hull City U-18 after your recent performances. Congratulations!
AS: Yes thank you, I have been offered a scholarship with the club recently and I feel great.
MT: Tell us about your playing style and positions on the field.
AS: I started as a central defensive midfielder, but I then moved to the left because I liked getting up the pitch to cross and shoot.
MT: More like a left-winger?
AS: Yes, but I also like to defend, so I enjoy playing as left-back. I would like to progress into a proper left-winger in the future.
MT: You have been involved in several matches for the Hull City U-18 this season, how did you find that experience?
AS: Great. I played half of my games this season with the U-18 side as a left-back, scoring one goal. I also scored five goals for the U-16 side.
FT: @Coventry_City U18s 1 (Jordan Shipley) @HullCity U18s 4 (Tyler Hamilton 2, Ahmed Salam, Marc Kelledy) #U18PDL2
— Hull Tigers Academy (@Tigers_Academy) March 2, 2016
MT: Ahmed Elmohamady has been at Hull for several seasons now; did you ever get to meet him?
AS: I watched him train during pre-season, but never had the chance to talk to him.
MT: Have you been following Egyptian players in England?
AS: Of course, Salah was at Chelsea but did not get any game time, so he moved to Roma and is one of their best players now, also Elneny is a regular now at Arsenal, he played in the Champions League and scored against Barcelona.
MT: Do you have any favorite players in your position?
AS: Neymar is my favorite left-winger, but my favorite Egyptian is Salah. I like players who have skill and do tricks.
MT: Do you see yourself still playing in England in the future?
AS: I would like to carry on with Hull until I can hopefully reach the first team.
MT: Would you like to represent the Egypt national team someday?
AS: Yes, definitely. It is my dream to represent Egypt.
MT: We also understand that you have two brothers who play in England, could you tell us about them?
AS: Yes, Omar is 17 and Khalid is 11, they play for Sunday league teams and are both defenders.
Kingfut.com would like to thank Ahmed Salam for his time and wishes him all the best in his career.
