Rising star Bahlouli reflects on first season at Samp

Sampdoria U19s secured their top-flight status with a stunning 6-1 defeat of Chievo on the last day of the season, a game that will live long in the memory of those involved – and none more so than Mohamed Bahlouli.

Samp’s Franco-Algerian forward, who scored the all-important second on the day, recalls: “It was a huge game and there were loads of fans there to get behind us because we needed to stay up. We conceded the opening goal but managed to respond quickly to equalise and then take the lead. Mine was a key goal because it made it 2-1. I’m pleased to have scored it in front of our fans.”

The 19-year-old caught the eye with his pace and skills in his debut campaign at Sampdoria, racking up seven goals and five assists since joining from Lyon last summer, but he’s aiming higher still.

“My agent put forward the option of joining Sampdoria and they had a fantastic sporting project in place so I signed and I’m very pleased.

“I’ve trained with the first team quite a few times and learnt a lot from them. My goal for next year is to be back with the senior squad and try to get some playing time in Serie A.”

See the full interview with Bahlouli below (you can turn on English subtitles by clicking on the Settings cog in the bottom right-hand corner).