In a surprising and tactical move, Al-Hilal's Portuguese manager, Jorge Jesus , decided to include the young duo Haider Abdulkarim and Abdulmalik Al-Jaber in the squad called up for a crucial AFC Champions League match. This decision reflects the veteran coach's vision of building a well-rounded team that blends the experience of international stars with the dynamism of rising talents, giving them an opportunity to prove their abilities on the continent's premier stage.
This move was not accidental; it is part of Jesus's strategy to deepen the squad and prepare a new generation of players capable of carrying the team's torch in the future. With a season packed with domestic and continental competitions, rotation and giving opportunities to young players have become essential to maintaining player fitness and preventing burnout, something the Portuguese coach excels at.
General context and importance of the tournament for Al-Hilal
Al-Hilal, the Asian club giant, enters this season's AFC Champions League with high expectations from its fans, aiming for a record-extending fifth title. The continental championship represents a strategic objective for the club's management and coaching staff, especially after the significant boost the team has received through the acquisition of world-class players. Including young players in such crucial matches is an investment in the club's future, as they gain invaluable experience by competing against the continent's strongest teams, thus accelerating their development as footballers.
The impact of the decision and its future implications
Domestically, Jesus's decision sends a strong message to all youth players at the club that the door is open for them to reach the first team, and that hard work and talent are the primary criteria for selection. This will raise the level of competition within the club's academy and motivate talented players to perform at their best. Continentally, this move demonstrates that Al Hilal does not rely solely on its purchasing power in the transfer market, but also possesses a solid foundation of local talent capable of competing at the highest levels. The success of this experiment could inspire other clubs in the region to adopt the same approach, contributing to the development of Saudi and Asian football in general.
