Ayman Benarous says he has what it takes to play at the highest level after making his first start in more than three years in the win against QPR in the Carabao Cup.
Plymouth Argyle midfielder Ayman Benarous says he has what it takes to play at the highest level after making his first start in more than three years.
Benarous impressed in his side's 3-2 win over Queens Park Rangers in the Carabao Cup having joined the Pilgrims in the summer.
The 22-year-old was a free agent having left Bristol City, where a promising career was hit by two serious knee injuries and hamstring surgery.
It meant Tuesday night's game was the first time he had started a match since 23 April 2022.
"It's a great opportunity to kick-start my career back on track and show what I've got again," he told BBC Sport.
"I believe in my quality and I still think, hopefully, in the next five years I can get back to the highest level, I've still got aspirations to that.
"I think the manager and his coaching team played a big part as well in believing in me, because I think both of the assistants have had long term injuries - so they understand the hardships of that.
"When I came in on trial, my thing was, I have to impress everyone, and I'd like to think I did that.
"I was at the front of most of the running tests and all of that sort of stuff, which gave me the confidence, and I think the club the confidence that hopefully I'm over my injuries."
'I'm going to be back and it's going to be worth it'
Benarous played 11 games in the Championship as a promising teenager from the Bristol City academy before injury struck.
His versatility is seen as one of his biggest advantages - he is equally at home in central areas or on either flank.
It was one of the reasons Argyle offered him a trial after his release by the Robins at the end of last season, which eventually led to a one-year deal for this season.
"He's really smart, he's really sharp in tight areas and he's technically very good," said Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley.
"He's versatility is standout. He can play right wing, he can play right-back, he can play left-back, he can play central midfield.
"So when you have got such a thin squad, someone who can slot in anywhere and be really smart and intelligent and know exactly what's required in those positions is really helpful.
"I'm sure he'll want to try to nail down one position, and I thought he presented a great case at left-back [against QPR]."
Despite his catalogue of injuries that would have seen many other players consider quitting the sport, Benarous said he always believed he would return.
"There was plenty of low points, but I would like to think I ultimately never thought like that.
"My thought process was 'one day I'm going to be back and it's going to be worth it'.
"There's days where you don't have a good day, you see the lads going out to train, maybe don't get a result on the weekend and you're frustrated, wanting to play.
"But my thing was always trying to work hard to be in a better place than the day before.
"Those three years were really tough for me, but it makes it so much sweeter when you come back, I think you really appreciate just having time out on the pitch and really enjoying it."
Category: General Sports
