Football Season Guide

Won their 10th Saudi Pro title and second in the last four years. The first season under French manager Blanc was an impressive won. The lack of international football after the poor previous campaign helped. The Tigers won 26 of 34 matches in the league, lost just 3 times, and ended up finishing 8 points ahead of the nearest pursuer. Even at 37 captain Benzema still scored 21 league goals. He also produced 9 assists. Winger Diaby also had a productive first season in the Saudi Pro. He finished with 14 assists and the second-most big chances created in the entire league. All of the main players from last season are staying put as Al Ittihad hope for continuity. The Fabinho-Kante partnership in the heart of the midfield guarantees ball-winning and extra protection of the highest quality. The main challenge this season will be the return of Champions League matches. Al Ittihad have struggled in the past when they had to play in this tournament and on the domestic stage. The starting XI can beat anyone but with the congested schedule rotation will be inevitable, which can cause problems. Unlikely the other top teams Al Ittihad’s supporting players are relatively inexperienced. Blanc still thinks the depth of the team is good though. He also confirmed that most of the 9 players that returned from loans elsewhere will be kept on the roster this season, so this will help in terms of depth. The other worry is if 37-year-old Benzema can continue to be a reliable goal-machine week in and week out. The chances are he will especially with Diaby and Bergwijn feeding him with quality crosses non-stop.