Easah Suliman Praises Pakistan’s U-15 Side in Baku: “The Team Left a Pleasant Impression”

Easah Suliman was in the stands in Baku for the FIFA U-15 World Cup and festival, and he liked what he saw from Pakistan's young side. He went to several of the team's matches, and he told Futbolpress.az how much the young players impressed him.

His interest in Pakistan's games was clear from the start. “I especially watched the matches of the Pakistan national team with interest,” he says.

“I enjoyed the team's game. That's why I watched not one, but several matches of the Pakistan national team. The team left a pleasant impression.”

Asked whether any of those players could one day play for leading European clubs, he did not rule it out. “We all wish for this,” he says. “The Federation also has a plan for this.”

“They are young, they need to develop. I believe that if they work harder on themselves, they will have a chance for this.”

He was just as positive about the tournament, and had been to the venue more than once. “I enjoyed everything,” he says.

“The organization was at a high level. The games were also very interesting.”

His own story at club level has been more difficult. Suliman was out for a long time with an injury, so the captain's armband at Sumgayit came as a surprise when he returned. He says he never expected it.

“I was just focused on recovering from my injury. I was doing my best to get back on the field. Because I missed football so much.”

He sees the armband as a gesture from the club, and says it has not changed how he plays.

“I always try to do my best on the field for the team's success. I also do my best to support my teammates.”

His first season at Sumgayit ended with a place in the European Cups, but he says that was never the plan. “Frankly, we didn't even think about the European Cups at that time. We were just focusing on each next match.”

He admits that repeating that result will be hard.

“In general, of course, it is very difficult to repeat that result today. Because we are fighting against very strong opponents and we treat each of them with respect.”