Azus19 is a young, talented Saudi football player. Named Abdulaziz Amin Saraj-Al-Din, he studies in grade 7 at Hunain school, Jeddah. He plays for Al-Ittihad Football Club and Saudi Stars Program (SSP). The 13-years-old plays exceptionally commendable football as a dominating left half and a confident third striker. His expert play involves technical skill, speed and excellent vision of the game. He is being often used as a forward — always looking for the edges of the field — or even left back. In addition to his performance as an athlete, he has a mind of a great person; he has been elected as a captain for his current team in SSP and has received recognition by Al-Ittihad. “Presence of mind and astuteness is the basic key to play soccer. I started to playing on the streets with my friends. My mother encouraged me after she noticed that I am an extraordinary football player”, he said. I joined Al-Ittihad because my brothers and father supported this club. My younger brother Abdul Salam is also the captain of his school team and he is a good defense player. I wish to play with Barcelona club in Brazil,” said the determined Azus19 as he has already received an offer from the prestigious club. “I am waiting to be fully developed both by age and by game technique. I have played with national Al-Ittihad junior team but it's my dream to play with the senior team as well,” he told the Saudi Gazette. Azus19 has also gotten offers from Al-Hilal club of Riyadh and Al-Ahli club of Jeddah. He has won 28 medals and six cups. He has proved himself as a strong pillar in the victory of his team. “I am ready to play for any good team. I have been trained under good coaches like Daniel Brugni and Abdullah Shawwali. My Brazilian soccer coach, Daniel Brugni gave me the sports name of Azus19,” he proudly told us. “My favorite player is Argentina's Lionel Messi. However, I observe Brazilian player Ronaldo to develop my style,” he said. He will be able to join the senior team at the age of 15. He has been short-listed many times as a talented future player in the selection list of recognized team members. “I was selected as a captain four times in my Al-Ittihad team and hope to be selected in the national team as well. I go to play soccer three days in a week. If I don't have homework, I avail the chance to practice soccer. It is important to manage time between studies and game in a proper and wise way,” said Azus19. “My best game I remember was that when I scored 3 goals for my school. I try my best to win each match. However, losing and winning is a part of the game. I focus on loopholes and learn the lesson if I lose the match,” he said. He believes that sportsmanship taught him to focus on healthy lifestyle and has introduced him with so many friends. “I have met to many senior national team players. I developed good social skills and improved my English because of soccer matches, events and people related to it. I am so thankful for my family, and especially for my mother who supports me out of the way,” he said. Azus19 is just not a brilliant soccer player but he is a very bright student as well. “Me and my younger brother Abdul Salam always stand first, second or third in class. It is my message for other boys to give priority to their studies first and then focus on sport. We should be an educated and intelligent athlete to represent ourselves on an international platform”. “Don't stay up late at night and avoid eating too much fast food as well as soft drinks. Eat salad and drink juices. Focus on a healthy balanced diet to be a strong and energetic sports man,” he advised. __
