Since NorthEast United’s Durand Cup-winning performance in August, Alaeddine Ajaraie has cemented his place in the team’s first XI by consistently finding the back of the net.
He has well and truly emerged as a phenomenon this season.
Despite NorthEast United losing two matches in the Indian Super League (ISL) this year, Ajaraie has been unstoppable, scoring in all seven games for his team since the start of the ISL 2024-25.
He now has nine goals from seven matches thus far.
Singlehandedly pulling NorthEast United up in the ISL 2024-25 standings, Ajaraie has undoubtedly been the signing of the season for the Highlanders.
In NorthEast United’s 3-2 win over Odisha FC in Matchweek 7 in the ISL, Ajaraie scored twice and provided an assist to Guillermo Fernandez’s goal.
The Moroccan also contributed defensively with two interceptions and four clearances.
He completed 19 out of 27 attempted passes, showcasing his all-around impact on the NorthEast United set-up.
Ajaraie opened the scoring for NorthEast United in the 12th minute, combining with Parthib Gogoi and firing from a distance to beat Amrinder Singh, giving his team the lead.
With this goal, Ajaraie had scored in seven consecutive league appearances, surpassing Elano Blumer’s record of six goals in as many matches set in the ISL’s inaugural season in 2014.
Ajaraie completed his brace in the first half after NorthEast United pressed high up.
Mohammed Bemammer won possession in midfield and squared it to Jithin, who took a couple of touches before finding Ajaraie in space on the left.
With only Amrinder left to beat, the Moroccan calmly doubled the lead in the 40th minute.
In their previous match, Ajaraie had equalled Elano’s record (six goals in as many matches since the start of a season), leading NorthEast United to a commanding 5-0 victory over Jamshedpur FC.
He currently tops the goal scorers’ chart, leading the race for the Golden Boot by a large margin.
The 31-year-old has surprised many with his consistent scoring ability.
NorthEast United’s coach, Pedro Benali, is delighted to see his team, placed in the fifth spot, winning two matches in a row, with their last loss being on October 17 against FC Goa.
With Ajaraie proving unstoppable, it will be fascinating to see how Bengaluru FC, currently at the top of the points table, plan on stopping the Alaeddine Ajaraie juggernaut in their next meeting on November 8.