On Friday evening, the eyes of Saudi and Moroccan football fans will be on the “Al-Awwal Park” stadium, where everyone is awaiting the final decision of the technical director of Al-Ittihad Club, the Argentinian Marcelo Gallardo, regarding the participation of the Moroccan international striker Youssef En-Nesyri in his first appearance in the “Al-Ameed” jersey during the anticipated Clasico match against Al-Nasr Club.
En-Nesyri, who joined Al-Ittihad during the recent winter transfer window from Spanish club Sevilla, participated in the team's group training session on Thursday evening. The player demonstrated full technical and physical readiness to play, confirming his enthusiasm for this significant challenge. However, the final decision rests with coach Gallardo, who will assess the player's integration with the team and his application of tactical principles before making a final decision.
Background of the deal and its importance to the Saudi League
Youssef En-Nesyri's move to the Saudi Professional League (SPL) is a further step in the league's strategy to attract top international football stars. The 28-year-old En-Nesyri is considered one of the most prominent strikers in Europe in recent years, having enjoyed a highly successful career with Spanish club Sevilla, winning the Europa League twice. He also made history with his national team, Morocco, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, leading the Atlas Lions to an unprecedented semi-final appearance and scoring the famous winning goal against Portugal.
The expected impact on Al-Ittihad and El Clásico
Al-Ittihad fans have high hopes for En-Nesyri to provide the desired attacking boost to the team, which has struggled at times this season in terms of finishing. Known for his prolific goal-scoring ability and excellent aerial prowess, En-Nesyri is expected to form a formidable partnership with French star Karim Benzema, giving the team diverse attacking options and a potent threat in front of goal.
The match gains added importance as it is a “classic” match between two of the poles of Saudi football, and its excitement is increased by the potential confrontation between En-Nesyri and Al-Nassr’s defenses led by Aymeric Laporte, and the goal-scoring battle between him and Al-Nassr legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
The two teams' positions in the standings
Al-Ittihad enters this match looking to improve their position in the standings, currently sitting in sixth place with 34 points, and hoping for a victory that will bring them closer to the top spots. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr occupies second place with 46 points and aims to continue putting pressure on league leaders Al-Hilal, making the three points crucial for both teams.
