Wearing the FC Kray jersey, Ilias Elouriachi enchanted fans of amateur football in Essen for years. Now the 32-year-old is taking part in the forecasting questionnaire.

Ilias Elouriachi is one of the best amateur footballers to come out of Essen in the last decade and a legend at FC Kray. The technical wizard was instrumental in the club’s greatest successes and once helped the club to a sensational promotion to the regional league.

Elouriachi played a total of 81 regional league games, 78 games in the Oberliga and 118 games in the Landesliga (including 30 in the Niederrheinliga – the sixth-highest division until 2012) for his home club in 14 years, scoring 60 goals. Since 2021, the now 32-year-old has been lacing up his boots for the Landesliga club SpVgg Steele.

In the Forecasting questionnaire, “Ele” explains what his best career moment was and why he didn’t become a professional.

My greatest strength is… my technique. The shooting finte or, as many also say, Elefinte.

My biggest weakness is… always the pace.

In our dressing room… there’s always a fight over the ISO drinks.

The best moment of my football career was… there were really quite a few. If I have to choose, it was the promotion matches against KFC Uerdingen, but also the two wins in one season against RWE with FC Kray.

The best goal of my career was… the two goals in the relegation against Uerdingen (first and second leg). But to quote Dutch footballer Dušan “Duzze” Bajic : “I never wasted a scoring chance. I’d rather fritter it away.” That also applies to me (laughs).

My best teammate was… Yassine Bouchama. I have to say that I played with some great players, but I would choose Yassine. But he also cost me some gray hair (laughs). For me, Yassine is like my little brother.

My best coaches were Dirk Wißel and Lars Krüger, because… the successes at FC Kray were due to their influence. We played attacking football in a 3-4-3 system, for which we were admired by many in Essen amateur football. Both are not only world-class in terms of football knowledge, but also as people. It was great fun playing under them. I also believe that Dirk and Lars would have made it into the professional ranks if they hadn’t been tied to their good jobs.

My worst trainer was because… I’ll keep that to myself. I’m not the type to expose others.

When I was a little boy, my role model was… Ronaldinho and Zidane. They were magicians.

I didn’t become a professional footballer because… this brings me to my biggest weakness, my speed. Unfortunately, I was also too prone to injury. My body is not suited to professional football.

The best thing about the Ruhr area are… the many football-crazy people – in a positive sense.

Either, or?

Dortmund or Schalke? Definitely Dortmund.

Beer or water? Since I don’t drink alcohol, water, of course. But I prefer Mezzo Mix.

Club or bar? Club.

Natural or artificial turf? Artificial turf. I get muscle problems too often on natural grass.

Warrior or artist? Artist.

Cinema or Netflix? Netflix. Bed is the coziest place, especially at this time of year.

Football on TV or in the stadium? TV.

Finally, a few questions:

Who would you like to go for a beer with?

Cristiano Ronaldo. I wouldn’t drink beer with him, but maybe an apple spritzer. He has really given everything for maximum success and is the best example that hard work pays off.

Which club did you experience the most extreme team trip with – and why?

With Kray, of course, after we were promoted to the regional league. That was a great trip. You need the right team for that – and we definitely had that at the time! I say that without having had a drop of alcohol. What still hasn’t been resolved: Who broke Mr. Oberholz’s camera? I still think he tripped.

What makes you laugh?

Almost anything, really.

My best vacation was?

In Morocco.

What is indispensable for you?

Family is indispensable and, along with health, really comes first.

What music do you like to listen to and what is played in the cabin?

I actually listen to almost everything. Our Colombian DJ Camillo usually plays RnB music in the cabin. Unfortunately, young people no longer listen to Schlager music…

If you could start over, what would you do differently in your life?

I would really do everything exactly as I have done so far. I am really very happy with everything I have experienced so far.