In the world of football, the road to the top is arduous, but staying there is the toughest challenge. This is the scenario facing Al-Hilal, the reigning "Leader" of Saudi and Asian football. Despite a historic winning streak and seemingly dominant performances under Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, some matches, such as the draw against Al-Taawoun earlier this season, have begun to reveal technical questions and potential cracks in the blue system that has become accustomed to conquering its rivals both domestically and continentally.
A backdrop of dominance and sky-high expectations
Al-Hilal boasts a rich history of championships, being the most decorated club in the Saudi League and the AFC Champions League, placing immense pressure on any team that wears its jersey. With the significant transformation of the Saudi League, marked by the influx of international stars, expectations have skyrocketed. Domestic victories are no longer sufficient; convincing performances and complete dominance are now the benchmarks by which a team is judged by fans and the media. In this context, every match is analyzed and every tactical decision dissected, searching for any weakness that might jeopardize the team's path to glory.
A technical analysis of "The Leader's" performance: 5 key observations
Beyond the language of numbers and consecutive victories, some technical observations can be noted that lie behind the relative decline in performance during some difficult periods:
1. Bono's brilliance: Does it mask a defensive weakness?
Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has become one of the team's most important pillars, and indeed, the last line of defense in every match. His outstanding performances and crucial saves have rescued the team on numerous occasions, but this over-reliance on him reflects a flaw in the defensive system. When the goalkeeper becomes the star of the match repeatedly, it indicates that the team is allowing opponents too much access to their goal and the creation of dangerous opportunities, which could prove costly against teams with high-quality attacking play in the later stages of continental tournaments.
2. Tactical Identity: Between a Fixed Approach and a Loss of Diversity
Jorge Jesus imposed a clear identity on the team, based on high pressing, possession, and aggressive attacking play. This style was highly effective, but over time, opposing teams began to find ways to adapt to it. The sometimes slow tempo, the lack of variety in movement, and the reliance on predictable solutions made the team more vulnerable, especially to teams adept at compact defenses and waiting for Al-Hilal's mistakes to launch quick counter-attacks.
3. Slower pace of change and loss of the element of surprise
One of the most prominent features of the team's temporary technical crisis is the slow transition from defense to attack. Against teams that employ a compact defensive formation, Al-Hilal needs quick ball movement and fluid passing to disrupt the opponent's defense. However, what sometimes happens is a slow ball circulation that gives the opponent ample time to regroup and close down passing lanes. Frequent crosses without variety, and a lack of direct penetrations from deep positions, have deprived the team of the element of surprise that once distinguished it as one of the strongest attacking lines on the continent.
4. The decline of the "+90" killer character
Al-Hilal has always been known for its fighting spirit until the very last minute, a characteristic dubbed the “90+ Spirit,” which has enabled it to turn matches around in crucial moments. However, some matches have shown a decline in this mental ferocity, as if the team loses some of its focus and momentum when things don't go according to plan. This lapse in mental presence during decisive moments could be due to fatigue or overconfidence, but it remains a worrying sign.
5. Tactical stagnation worries fans
The deeper crisis lies in the coaching staff's occasional tactical reading of matches. In some games, Jesus seemed hesitant to make substitutions or change tactics during tough encounters. The delay in introducing fresh players capable of altering the game's rhythm, and the adherence to fixed tactical formations even when ineffective, made the team appear like an open book, easily decipherable – a far cry from their years of dominance.
Expected impact: Challenges on three fronts
Any fluctuation in Al-Hilal's performance will not only affect their domestic league campaign in the King's Cup and the Saudi Professional League, but will also impact their continental ambitions in the AFC Champions League. With fierce regional competition, there is no room for error. Maintaining technical and mental stability is key to continuing their dominance and fulfilling the aspirations of their fans, who demand nothing less than gold. The question now is: Will "The Leader" quickly regain its full identity and get back on track, or is this the beginning of a phase that requires a comprehensive review to ensure Al-Hilal remains at the top, a position it has become accustomed to?
