Abdellah Ouazane marked his latest appearance for Ajax with a spectacular goal as the 17-year-old helped his side beat Atalanta 2-0 on Thursday evening.

The forward completed the scoring late in the game after producing an impressive individual move. He went past his opponent before striking the ball into the top-left corner, with the effort finding the net after hitting the post.

Ouazane said he had chosen to take on his defender because he realised the match was about to end.

“I looked at the time and saw that it really was the last minute of the match,” he said. “So I decided to play one against one because I had not done that yet in this game.”

The teenager admitted he was delighted with the way the moment played out.

“It was great to finish the match like that,” he added. “I was really happy after the goal. Everything came together.”

Although his finish attracted attention, Ouazane is determined not to allow growing expectations to distract him. He said the goal was important, but insisted Ajax must remain focused on how they play.

“It was a very beautiful goal, but we remain focused on our normal game,” Ouazane said after the final whistle.

The Ajax forward has developed an attacking approach based on his confidence and desire to move the ball towards the opposition goal.

“I am a footballer who always wants to play forward,” he explained. “Attacking football is in my DNA. I do not like playing passes backwards, although sometimes it is necessary.”

Ouazane also believes in relying on his own ability when he comes on during matches. He said the condition of his team-mates was a factor when he entered the game against Atalanta, but that he trusted himself to make an impact.

“When I came on, the boys were already a little tired, so I had to take that into account,” he said. “I rely on my qualities for every action. I know I am capable of it. I proved it again today with my goal.”

Despite being only 17, Ouazane is already regarded as a player with the potential to reach the highest level of the game. He, however, is refusing to look too far ahead and says his immediate priority is continued development.

“I am not concerned about that at all,” he said. “I am concentrating on my progress every day and living one day at a time. I do not want to say for now that I can reach the world elite. Many talented 17-year-olds have not managed to do that. I want to remain myself and keep my feet on the ground.”