Yasin Ayari
BHA
Attacking Midfielder
Center Midfielder
Creative Playmaker
Oct 6, 2003 (23)
Right
5'8"
152 lb
Three poor shots
Ayari registered three shots (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Sunday's 2-0 loss to Liverpool.
Analysis: Ayari sent in three shots Sunday, but he failed to put even a single one on target throughout the loss. It was a frustrating match for the midfielder, as he really couldn't get much time on the ball and when he did he didn't make much of it. Ayari will have more room to operate in some other matches against teams that are likely to be more manageable.
Scores against Crystal Palace
Ayari scored one goal to go with four shots (two on goal) in Sunday's 5-0 victory against Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Ayari put in a lively display as a central attacking midfielder, finding the back of the net with a right-footed strike in the 10th minute. He now has two club goals this season, plus a goal and an assist for Sweden at the international level. His work in a more advanced role could persuade manager Fabian Hurzeler to keep him there, though Jack Hinshelwood's return to full fitness might end up pushing Ayari back into the holding position he occupied earlier in the campaign.
Two shots and two crosses in win
Ayari registered two shots (zero on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Sunderland.
Analysis: Ayari continued his role as one of the main men as Brighton defeated Sunderland 2-0. The midfielder has started five of the six games so far this season, taking at least two shots in each game that he has played in. He also took two crosses, his first crosses of the season, but was unable to find an accurate target with either of these.
Fully recovered from illness
Ayari has fully recovered from the virus that affected him during international duty with Sweden and is available for Saturday's Premier League clash against Sunderland, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per Andy Naylor of The Athletic.
Analysis: Ayari missed Sweden's final two Nations League matches against Bosnia and Romania due to illness, raising concerns over his availability following the international break. However, manager Hurzeler confirmed that the midfielder has recovered from the virus. Ayari should therefore be back in contention for Saturday's matchup against Sunderland, with his recent illness no longer expected to affect his availability.
Doesn't make squad Monday
Ayari (illness) is not in the squad for Sweden's Monday match against Romania in the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League.
Analysis: Ayari also missed last Friday's game against Bosnia, meaning the playmaker won't be an option for Sweden's final two matches of the current international window. He's expected to be assessed by Brighton's medical staff ahead of facing Sunderland on Saturday, Oct. 10, in the return of the English Premier League campaign after the break.
Dealing with illness
Ayari is one of several Sweden players sidelined with an illness and won't be an option to face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday, Phillip O'Connor of Reuters reports.
Analysis: Ayari won't be an option against Bosnia after developing illness-like symptoms, but he's not the only player affected, as four other players in camp have also been ruled out of Friday's game and are currently isolated. It remains to be seen whether he'll be able to play in the next international match against Romania on Oct. 5. His availability for the Premier League match against Sunderland on Oct. 10 should also be monitored.
Two interceptions in victory
Ayari generated two shots (zero on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 3-0 win over Arsenal.
Analysis: Ayari registered two shots including a first-time effort from the angle of the six-yard box that clipped the corner of post and bar in the second half, and made two interceptions across 90 minutes in a box-to-box midfield display that helped Brighton maintain their defensive shape throughout. He combined effectively with Chema and Pascal Gross in Brighton's midfield throughout a match the home side dominated in all phases. Ayari and Brighton now head into the international break in third place with 10 points from five Premier League matches.
Scores in Sunday's win
Ayari scored one goal to go with four shots (two on goal) in Sunday's 5-0 win against Coventry City.
Analysis: Ayari found the back of the net in the 94th minute on an outside-the-box strike, a goal assisted by Pascal Gross that secured the 5-0 win. It was one of four shots Ayari took in the match, his most so far this season. He also helped keep a clean sheet for the first time this campaign, contributing one tackle in his full 90 minutes of action.
Two shots in return
Ayari registered two shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Leeds United.
Analysis: Ayari returned to the starting 11, having been out injured for the last game. He had started against Aston Villa in the opener and then in the Conference League. He took two shots in the game, putting one on target and did produce one chance created.
Starting in midfield
Ayari (ankle) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Leeds United.
Analysis: Ayari passed his late fitness test after coach Fabian Hurzeler confirmed he could be an option, earning a starting role in central midfield after being left out of the squad for the recent match against Chelsea due to the ankle injury. The midfielder's return spares Hurzeler from having to continue relying on the Malick Yalcouye and Pascal Gross pairing that had stepped in during his absence, with Ayari reclaiming his spot in the middle of the park. His clearance after the final training session of the week is a timely boost for Brighton heading into the Leeds United fixture.
Could be an option Saturday
Ayari (ankle) could be an option for Saturday's clash against Leeds United, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per The Argus.
Analysis: Ayari had been left out of the squad for the recent match against Chelsea due to an ankle injury, with Malick Yalcouye stepping in alongside Pascal Gross in central midfield during his absence. His potential return now positions him to reclaim his spot in the middle of the park, and further clarity on his status should emerge after the final training session of the Seagulls.
Left out against Chelsea
Ayari (undisclosed) is not included in Brighton's squad for Sunday's clash against Chelsea due to an injury, according to Andy Naylor.
Analysis: Ayari unexpectedly drops out of the squad Sunday, with his absence reportedly injury-related rather than connected to his future at the club. The nature and severity of the issue have yet to be disclosed, so more information regarding his condition and potential recovery timeline should emerge in the coming days. Malick Yalcouye starts alongside Pascal Gross in central midfield in Ayari's absence, giving Brighton a new combination in the middle of the pitch.
Productive in midfield
Ayari recorded two shots (zero on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 4-0 victory versus Aston Villa. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 11th minute.
Analysis: Ayari registered two shots in Sunday's 4-0 win over Aston Villa and played a key role in the fourth goal, dispossessing Joao Gomes before Jack Hinshelwood finished the move. The midfielder combined aggressive pressing with energetic forward runs, allowing him to contribute at both ends of the pitch. Ayari's work rate and ability to win possession in advanced areas should keep him involved in midfield as the campaign progresses.
Set for season
Ayari is in pre-season training with Brighton as he competes for minutes in the starting rotation to start the season.
Analysis: Ayari had a standout game with Sweden in the first match of the World Cup and quickly put his name on the map as the 2026/27 season approached, with two beautiful goals scored. He wouldn't score again or earn an assist in the next three games, although he still started and proved to be effective. He will now hope to continue this into the 2026/27 season as he looks to have an everyday starting role, a spot he mainly held during the last campaign if it wasn't for a couple of lingering injuries. With three goals and three assists in 29 appearances (20 starts) last season, he does have the quality that could take a jump if on the field the whole season. However, the squad holds viable options in midfield with Pascal Gross and Carlos Baleba also available, so there is a bit of competition in the midfield.
Two crosses, zero shots during R32
Ayari logged two inaccurate crosses and one chance created during Sweden's 3-0 loss to France on Tuesday.
Analysis: Usually active for Sweden, Ayari playing against arguably the World Cup's most proven team Tuesday resulted in sparse opportunities. For the tournament, both of Ayari's total and accurate crosses are his tourney-lows. Like the Swedes' group-stage finale, he did not attempt a shot during their knockout game. For the tournament, his four appearances feature two goals on seven shots (three on goal), 19 crosses (five accurate), nine corners and five accurate crosses. Defensively, Ayari logged four clearances and three interceptions.
Eight crosses in 1-1 draw
Ayari registered eight crosses (three accurate) and five corners in Thursday's 1-1 draw against Japan.
Analysis: Ayari took five corners on his way to attempting eight crosses as Sweden drew 1-1 with Japan. He completed three of these crosses to help him create three chances. In total, he has completed five of his 17 crosses throughout the tournament and created four chances. The midfielder also drew three more fouls, in order to draw six fouls across the three games, and this was the first game where he didn't foul an opposition player.
Five shots in loss
Ayari had five shots (one on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 5-1 loss versus Netherlands. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 75th minute.
Analysis: Ayari took five shots after his goalscoring escapades in the first match of the World Cup, but he wasn't nearly as productive this time around. He couldn't get involved in good spots, and managed to put only a single shot on goal. It was a disappointing match for all involved as Ayari and co. look towards a win on matchday three to advance.
Bags brace in Tunisia clash
Ayari scored two goals to go with two shots (two on target), five crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 5-1 win over Tunisia.
Analysis: Ayari opened and closed the scoring with two goals from outside the box, benefitting from the opposing goalie coming out too aggressively on the first one, eluding a pair of defenders and slotting it in the empty net, while he rounded out the result late with a precise cross-shot from distance. He pulled the strings in the midfield and paced his team in crosses, albeit with limited precision. He was also credited with a secondary assist for contributing to one of the other goals. He scored three times and provided three assists in 29 matches (20 starts) with Brighton last season.
Midfield creator for Sweden
Ayari has been named in Sweden's World Cup squad and is expected to start in midfield under coach Jon Dahl Tomasson, arriving at the tournament after a solid Premier League campaign that highlighted his value as both a creative and set-piece specialist.
Analysis: Ayari contributed three goals and three assists across 29 Premier League appearances this season, delivering a consistent and well-rounded output that underlines his importance to Sweden's midfield structure. His set-piece responsibilities for the national team add a particularly valuable dimension to his role, with his delivery from dead-ball situations a potential match-winning weapon in a tournament where margins are often tight. Beyond his creative contribution, Ayari's ability to arrive late into the box, combine quickly in tight spaces and cover the ground between the lines gives Sweden a dynamic and multi-dimensional presence in the center of the park. His Premier League experience prepares him well for the physical intensity of a major tournament, and manager Jon Dahl Tomasson will be counting on him to influence matches at the critical moments this summer.
Tallies an assist
Ayari assisted once to go with zero corners and two chances created in Saturday's 2-0 win against Burnley.
Analysis: Ayari didn't put in any crosses but he did create two chances and got an assist in the process. The midfielder has a favorable matchup against Tottenham to continue putting up good numbers. Spurs have allowed 50 goals so far this season and are in danger of being relegated.
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