Once again, Greek star Kostas Fortounis proved to be Al-Khaleej's most prominent and influential signing this season, continuing his impressive form and leading his team to a valuable point against Al-Riyadh in the 22nd round of the Saudi Professional League. At a crucial moment when Al-Khaleej seemed destined for defeat, Fortounis, as usual, stepped up and scored the equalizer, reaffirming his immense talent and his role as the team's savior in difficult times.
Background to the deal in light of the development of the Saudi league
Fortounis's brilliance comes amidst the historic transformation of the Saudi Professional League, which has become a destination for some of the world's biggest football stars. Following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar at major clubs, other clubs, including Al-Khaleej, began seeking high-caliber signings capable of raising the technical level and competing strongly. The acquisition of Kostas Fortounis, the former captain and legend of Greek club Olympiacos, was a shrewd strategic move by Al-Khaleej's management. They brought in a player with extensive European experience and a commanding presence, qualities the team desperately needed to survive and compete in a league of this magnitude.
Numbers speak volumes: Fortunas is a goal-scoring and playmaking machine
The statistics cannot ignore the immense impact the Greek player has had on his team's performance. In 18 appearances so far in the Roshen League, Fortounis has scored 8 goals and provided 11 assists . These impressive figures place him at the top of the league's assist charts, surpassing some of the biggest names in the sport, confirming that he is not just an influential player, but one of the competition's most prominent stars and a key player in the crucial moments that tip the scales in his team's favor.
Technical and leadership influence on the field
Fortounis's influence isn't limited to goals and assists; it extends to his role as a tactical leader on the pitch. Thanks to his keen vision and ability to read the game, he has become the mastermind behind Al-Khaleej's attacks. He is characterized by his composure in building play and his ability to change the course of a match with a single touch, whether from a perfectly executed set piece, a clever through ball, or a sudden shot. It has become clear that Al-Khaleej's game plan relies heavily on the touches of the "Greek magician," who has become one of the team's most important players and a major reason for the points the team has accumulated this season.
Local importance and regional impact
Domestically, Fortunis's continued performance at this level is crucial to ensuring Al Khaleej's survival in the Pro League and avoiding relegation battles. Regionally, the success of a player of Fortunis's caliber with a mid-table club sends a powerful message that the Roshan League is no longer limited to top-tier clubs, but has become an attractive environment for talented players at all levels, thus increasing the overall strength and competitiveness of the league and reinforcing its status as one of the major leagues in the region and Asia.
