A promising goalkeeping name in Luxembourg, but practically anonymous in Montenegro - a young goalkeeper Ailan Alilovic This season he has attracted attention in the elite ranks there, enough to be talked about as a goalkeeper with a bright future ahead of him and wanted by the best clubs there.
Alilović defends for Monderkanž, a team that is moving to a lower league, but after the season Alilović had, it is unrealistic for him to stay at the club from the southwest of a country with a population of just over 600.
Who is Ailan Alilović? The guy who turns 21 in November was born in Luxembourg and originally from Bijelo Polje.
- I started playing football in Differdange, the city where we lived at the time, and stayed until I was 16, and at 14 I started training with the senior team. During that period, I also played for the Luxembourg national team and was a member of the U19 team. After Differdange, I moved to Žines Eš, with whom I made my debut in the First League - Alilović told "Vijesti".
In July last year, he became a member of Monderkanž.
- I don't know what will happen, I'm not thinking too much about the future at the moment, although that will have to be resolved quickly. I want to finish the season without injuries and help the team as much as I can. Of course, there are several options, but I haven't made a final decision yet - says Alilović, who defended brilliantly in Mondercange's victory over Dudelange (3:2) on Sunday, and found himself in the ideal team of the 28th round.
What next? An option is abroad, but it is more realistic to stay in Luxembourg.
- The Luxembourg league, although small compared to the larger European leagues, has shown significant progress in the last few years - both in club performances in Europe and in the development of domestic players. Thanks to its wealth and stable economy, Luxembourg has invested in the modernization of pitches, training centers and stadiums, which has attracted many players from abroad to try their hand at this league. I think they quickly saw that they were not mistaken - added Alilović.
Alilović doesn't just think about football - he is also dedicated to education and is attending school to become a sports teacher. All of these commitments affect his free time.
- My day starts at half past six in the morning and it takes me about an hour to get to school, where I stay until 15 p.m. We have training in the evenings, from 19 to 21 p.m., so I spend most of the day on the move and don't have much free time. And when I do have it, I focus mostly on my family and vacation. However, I try to develop myself in many ways - to give my best in sports, but also to have an educational plan B, because a football career is short-lived. And injuries are always a big risk - notes Alilović.
If he could choose a goalkeeper to "copy" it would be him. Manuel Neuer.
- I like his style the most. He has had the biggest influence on the goalkeeper position - his active play with the team, his calmness and explosiveness are qualities that I try to bring into my game.
Alilović is also interested in Montenegrin football.
- I follow the events in Montenegro, I also watch the national team. I know that everyone's wish is to qualify for a major competition and I think that dream is still realistic, although not an easily achievable goal. The talent and quality are there, the chances of going to the Euro or World Cup certainly exist.
And what are Alilović's goals? Both at the club and national team level.
- I want to try my hand at a stronger league outside of Luxembourg one day and be invited to the next national team qualifiers. I have dual citizenship, so I could choose between Montenegro and Luxembourg. In the end, it wouldn't be difficult for me to decide, because a lot of things connect me to Montenegro - concluded Alilović.
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