A new chapter begins in Al-Bulaihi's career
The match between Al-Shabab and Al-Kholoud in the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League saw the debut of veteran international defender Ali Al-Bulaihi in the "Lions" jersey. Although his new team lost 1-0, Al-Bulaihi's individual performance offered promising glimpses of what he could contribute to Al-Shabab's defense during his loan spell.
Background of the transfer and its importance in the Saudi League
Ali Al-Bulaihi's loan move to Al-Shabab from Al-Hilal until the end of the 2025/26 season is one of the most notable deals of the winter transfer window. After a successful career with Al-Hilal, which included winning multiple league titles and the AFC Champions League, Al-Bulaihi's transfer represents a significant step in his career and a new challenge. Known for his physical strength, leadership qualities, and ability to build play from the back, Al-Shabab's defense lacked these attributes at times during the season. This transfer also reflects the increasing competitiveness among Roshan League clubs, where the movement of prominent players between top clubs has become commonplace, raising the level of the league and increasing its excitement both domestically and regionally.
Analysis of Al-Bulaihi's performance in his first match
Al-Bulaihi played the full 90 minutes, making a significant impact in defense. Despite the team conceding a goal, Al-Bulaihi's individual statistics demonstrated a balanced contribution to both defense and attack. Here's a breakdown of his performance:
- Defensive interventions: He succeeded in clearing the ball from dangerous areas twice, and he recovered the ball 3 times, which shows his alertness in reading the opponent's movements.
- Building play: He completed 55 out of 62 passes, a good accuracy rate. His role wasn't limited to short passes; he also delivered 6 long balls, 4 of which reached his teammates accurately, demonstrating his vision in changing the direction of play.
- Offensive contribution: He provided one key pass and scored a goal that was disallowed by the referee, which highlights his offensive tendency on set pieces.
- The duels: He failed to win the only aerial duel he had, a point he may seek to improve on in future matches.
Expected impact on the future of youth
The arrival of Al-Bulaihi is expected to have a significant positive impact on Al-Shabab. His extensive experience in Saudi and Asian football will provide the team with added defensive strength, and his strong personality will contribute to organizing the back line and boosting player morale. Al-Shabab's management aims to return the team to contention for top positions through this signing, and Al-Bulaihi represents a cornerstone of this project. His performance in upcoming matches will be closely watched, as fans have high hopes that he will be the defensive linchpin the team needs to achieve its ambitions.
