Now in his seventh year in English football, Ahmed Elmohamady is doing alright for himself at Aston Villa these days.
One of the first names on Steve Bruce’s team sheet at Villa Park, the 32-year-old is enjoying life as a right-midfielder, scoring two goals and picking up an assist in six games so far.
This form has also earned him a start in the Egypt national team, and he was given the captain’s armband by new manager Javier Aguirre in their 6-0 win over Niger in their first AFCON qualifying game.
Left on the bench throughout the World Cup by their former head coach Hector Cuper, Elmohamady is now in a more attacking role for his country, and appears to be having fun.
As for the captaincy, he sees the armband as a huge responsibility, even if he knows he might not always be the one in the role.
Speaking to ON Sport TV, relayed by KingFut, he said: “Being captain is not just about wearing it, it’s about leading the team on and off the pitch. The staff make the decisions, and we accept all their orders warmly. The badge goes to senior players, and there are no problems between us because of this system.
“Aguirre settled this from day one in the training camp, and if he said in the next camp that Mohamed Salah or Ahmed Hegazi will lead the team, no one would have a problem with that.”
Since joining Sunderland permanently from Enppi after a successful one year loan, Elmohamady had two temporary spells with Hull City before joining them permanently in 2013, and was then transferred to Aston Villa last summer, where Steve Bruce ensured he worked with the Egypt international once more after their previous times together at the Stadium of Light and KCOM Stadium.
It’s fair to say the former Manchester United defender likes having the 32-year-old around.
