Al-Ittihad suffered a major blow ahead of their upcoming match against Al-Khaleej, with the confirmed absence of their Dutch star Steven Bergwijn due to suspension for accumulating yellow cards. The match is scheduled for next Friday as part of the 24th round of the Saudi Professional League, a crucial encounter for Al-Ittihad as they strive to improve their position in the league standings.
Bergwijn's suspension came after he received his fourth yellow card of the season during Al-Ittihad's postponed match from the tenth round against Al-Hazm, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The Dutch player received the card in the 42nd minute of the match as a result of a foul on Al-Hazm player Saud Al-Rashed, thus completing a series of cautions that will keep him out of supporting his team in an important match.
General context and impact of absence
This absence comes at a critical time for Al-Ittihad, the reigning champions, who have been struggling with inconsistent results this season. After an exceptional season, the team finds itself in a fierce battle to maintain a top position that would qualify them for continental competitions, particularly the AFC Champions League. Every point has become precious in the face of intense competition from the top clubs, making the absence of a player of Bergwijn's caliber a significant blow to the coach's tactical plans.
Adding to the difficulty of the situation is the fact that Bergwijn had only recently returned to action after recovering from a calf injury that sidelined him for seven consecutive matches, since the Al-Ettifaq game in the sixteenth round. He was heavily relied upon to restore the team's attacking prowess in the final stretch of the season, especially given his impressive scoring record. This season, he participated in 12 league matches, scoring five goals and providing two assists, making him one of the team's most important attacking players.
The importance of the player in the federation system
Steven Bergwijn joined Al-Ittihad from Ajax Amsterdam as part of the Roshan League's recruitment drive for international stars. Known for his versatility in multiple attacking positions, whether as a winger or playmaker, he possesses exceptional individual skills, accurate shooting ability, and a knack for creating chances. His absence not only means losing a prolific goalscorer but also a player capable of disrupting opposing defenses and finding solutions in the final third of the pitch. This will place an added burden on his teammates in attack to compensate for this significant void against a well-organized Al-Khaleej side.
