Football Season Guide

Al Shabab were the most pleasant surprise of last season. Finished sixth and qualified for the Gulf Club Champions League. Had 18 wins and only 10 defeats in what was the best campaign in the club’s history. The good displays attracted attention and the small club struggled to keep assets. In late December coach Pereira was poached by Wolverhampton. Fatih Terim then took over and did well, but the experienced Turk was also lured away in the summer. Al Shabab’s new coach is Imanol Alguacil. The Spaniard spent the last 7 years in charge of Real Sociedad where he proved he can achieve big results with limited roster and resources. Al Shabab are such a club too so this looks like a very good fit. The strong form led to mass exodus of players too, with 7 of the regular starters from last season no longer in the squad. Al Shabab only just appointed Alguacil so they are behind with their roster-building. At the moment of writing there are only 14 players on the books, but it seems the majority of the foreign stars that will be trusted are already there. Playmaker Sierro was signed this summer and should become a key figure. Striker Carlos Junior returned after a successful loan in the second tier last season. He scored 15 goals for NEOM last term. Diallo and Hamdallah are also proven goalscorers at this level, giving Al Shabab a trio of experienced strikers that have netted 10+ goals in each of their last 3 campaigns. Must add more depth in defence where Dutchman Hoedt is the main figure. Yet to sign any foreign players age 21 or younger, can add a few of those. In coming weeks focusing on finding talented young defenders might become a priority.