In a notable tactical move, Al-Hilal's Portuguese coach, Jorge Jesus, decided to exclude Abdullah Al-Hamdan and young defender Youssef Akchichik from the final squad that will face Al-Qadisiyah. This match is part of the 19th round of the Saudi Professional League and will be held at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, amidst great anticipation from fans for the league leaders' performance.
Background and technical context of the decision
This decision comes as Jesus seeks to maintain the highest levels of technical and physical readiness within the team, which is having an exceptional season and aims to secure the league title early. According to sources close to the club, the players' exclusion was based purely on the coach's tactical vision, as he prefers to rely on other players he deems more suitable for his tactical plan in this match. Jesus is known for his tactical strictness and his decisiveness in making crucial decisions to ensure discipline and the required performance, regardless of the players' names.
An uncertain future for Al-Hamdan and transfer speculation
The exclusion of striker Abdullah Al-Hamdan has reignited speculation about his future with the club. With fierce competition in Al-Hilal's attack, including world-class players like Aleksandar Mitrovic, Al-Hamdan has struggled to secure regular playing time. Numerous reports have linked the player with a move to other clubs in the Russian Premier League, most notably their arch-rivals Al-Nassr, as he seeks regular first-team football to maintain his place in the Saudi national team. This latest exclusion could be a sign that his departure is imminent during the upcoming transfer window.
The importance of the match and the impact of the decision
Al-Hilal enters this match at the top of the league standings, aiming to solidify its lead and widen the gap with its closest rivals. While the exclusion of two players might not seem to significantly impact a team with such a strong bench, it sends a clear message to all players that their place in the starting lineup is not guaranteed and depends entirely on their readiness and performance in training. Regionally, rivals in other leagues are closely monitoring Al-Hilal's performance, as it is one of the strongest contenders for the AFC Champions League title, and any internal technical decision is analyzed within the framework of the club's strategy to compete on all fronts.
