Football Season Guide

Despite finishing only fifth in the league last season Al Ahli enjoyed a remarkable success. Of the 3 Saudi teams that reached the semi-finals of the Asian Champions League Elite it was Al Ahli that walked away with the famous trophy in March. The decision to exclude veteran Roberto Firmino from the Saudi Pro squad, only 8 foreigners over 21 allowed, but turn him into a key figure in the Champions League worked. Firmino was missed in the league but his vital displays were among the main reasons for the big international success. The big strength last season was the solid defending. Ibanez and Demiral, plus young left-back Dams are staying so more of the same can be expected. Goalkeeper Mendy also had an excellent last season and had the second-most clean sheets in the Saudi Pro League – 12. Veteran Riyad Mahrez shone with 14 league assists and he remains the main creative force up front. His partnership with streaky English striker Ivan Toney should remain productive. The big purchase of the summer was inner midfielder Enzo Millot. Splashed the cash to bring him over from the German Bundesliga. He is expected to team up with captain Kessie in the heart of the midfield. His arrival fills the quota of 8 foreigners over the age of 21 for the Saudi Pro league [Mendy, Ibanez, Demiral, Kessie, Millot, Galeno, Mahrez and Toney]. Dams is still under 21 and Al Ahli can add another foreign player age under 21 too. With another deep run in the Champions League targeted the third-year German manager Jaissle might be tempted to bring more veteran foreigners and use them only internationally and in the two domestic cup competitions. Taking this approach with Firmino last season worked a treat. The good defensive stability and the great attacking partnership between Mahrez and Toney should give Al Ahli plenty of joyful moments this season too.