Al-Ettifaq is witnessing a remarkable transformation this season in the Saudi Professional League, not only in terms of positive results and improved technical performance, but also in the fighting spirit instilled in the team by national coach Saad Al-Shehri. After years of stagnation and inconsistency, the "Knights of Ad-Dahna" have emerged with a new look, delivering a performance that combines tactical discipline and passion, proving that they are a vibrant team capable of competing with and defeating the top clubs in the league, despite their current financial resources not matching those available during the era of former coach Steven Gerrard.

Historical background and challenges of the previous stage

Al-Ettifaq, one of Saudi Arabia's oldest clubs, underwent a transitional period marked by massive investments and high expectations following the privatization project. The culmination of this phase was the signing of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and international stars like Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum. Despite the media hype, on-field results were inconsistent, and the team suffered from a lack of a clear tactical identity. With Gerrard's departure, Saad Al-Shehri was appointed. Initially facing some skepticism from a segment of the fanbase, he quickly proved himself the right man for the job, drawing on his extensive experience coaching Saudi national teams and his deep understanding of the local player mentality.

Al-Shahri's artistic and psychological imprint

Saad Al-Shehri's impact wasn't limited to the technical aspects; he transformed the team mentally and physically. Al-Shehri successfully created a cohesive playing system and boosted the players' motivation and fighting spirit on the field – a crucial factor for a team with such talented players. He also revitalized some stars whose brilliance had faded, most notably Dutch star Georginio Wijnaldum , who regained much of his renowned form and began delivering impactful performances against top teams, a far cry from his first season. Domestically, Khalid Al-Ghannam an inspiring success story. Al-Shehri reshaped his talent, making him the top Saudi scorer in the Roshan League with seven goals, demonstrating the ability of a national coach to develop local talent when given full confidence.

Importance and future impact

The success of Saad Al-Shehri's experience with Al-Ettifaq carries significance that extends far beyond the club's walls. It represents a victory for Saudi coaches in a league now teeming with top international names. This success reinforces confidence in national talent and demonstrates that tactical harmony and team spirit can sometimes outweigh mere financial investment. Today, Al-Ettifaq is on the right track, and what is needed now is for all the club's supporters to rally around their team and create a positive atmosphere in the stands, restoring their vibrancy and enthusiasm, to support the team's journey towards achieving its ambitions and competing for top positions.

Reliable press sources have revealed positive developments and advanced negotiations between the management of Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal club and Portuguese star Ruben Neves, aimed at extending his current contract and securing his continued presence with the "Leaders" for years to come. This move is intended to preempt any future speculation and to solidify one of the team's most important pillars.

According to reliable journalist Nicolo Longari, a specialist in the player transfer market, negotiations are progressing very positively, with Al-Hilal offering Neves a three-year contract extension. Longari indicated a strong mutual desire to finalize the agreement as soon as possible, reflecting the player's stability and satisfaction in Riyadh.

Background of the deal and its immediate impact

Ruben Neves joined Al-Hilal in the summer of 2013 from English club Wolverhampton Wanderers, in a deal that resonated globally as it was part of the Saudi league's project to attract top international football stars. Since his arrival, the 27-year-old Neves has proven to be a strategically successful signing by all accounts. He quickly became the heart and soul of the midfield and a true leader on the pitch, thanks to his exceptional vision, precise passing, ability to control the tempo of the game, and powerful shots that provided a crucial attacking option for the team.

The strategic importance of extending the contract

The significance of extending Neves' contract lies in the clear message it sends from Al-Hilal's management regarding their future vision, which focuses on maintaining technical stability and building a team capable of competing strongly at all local, continental, and international levels. Securing the services of a player at the peak of his career, who also possesses experience playing in the English Premier League, gives the team a significant advantage and strengthens their midfield alongside other stars like Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Impact on the reputation of the Saudi League

More broadly, this potential renewal serves as further confirmation of the appeal and strength of the Saudi Professional League project. Having successfully attracted star players, Saudi clubs now face the challenge of retaining them and persuading them to stay for extended periods, thus refuting claims that these deals were merely short-term transfers. Neves' continued presence would bolster the league's credibility as a stable and attractive football destination, encouraging more international players to join and ultimately raising the level of competition and the overall marketing value of the league.

The absence of French star Karim Benzema, the striker for Al-Ittihad Club, from the team’s recent group training sessions has caused concern among the club’s fans, ahead of the anticipated match against Al-Akhdoud Club in the eighteenth round of the Saudi Professional League, scheduled to be held at Prince Hathloul bin Abdulaziz Sports Stadium.

According to sources, Benzema's absence from training stems from his lack of full technical and physical readiness, in addition to an injury whose precise details have not yet been disclosed. The player is scheduled to undergo extensive medical examinations in the coming hours to determine his availability for the match, as well as the extent of the injury and the expected recovery time.

General context and impact of the historic deal

This absence comes at a sensitive time for Al-Ittihad, who have high hopes for their global star, the Ballon d'Or winner, who joined the team last summer in a historic deal that shook the world of sports. Benzema's move from Real Madrid, after a legendary career filled with achievements and titles, to the Saudi Professional League marked a turning point in the competition's history and was one of the main factors that brought Saudi football into the global spotlight.

The importance of the match and the potential impact of absence

Benzema's potential absence further complicates matters for Al-Ittihad, who are striving to return to winning ways and improve their position in the league table, especially after their unexpected 2-1 defeat to Al-Qadisiyah in their last match. Benzema is the team's main attacking force and leader on the pitch, and his absence will force the coaching staff to reassess their tactics and find alternative solutions to fill the significant void he will leave in the forward line. The absence of a player of Benzema's caliber not only impacts the team's performance but also the morale of the players and their fans, who were hoping to see their star player lead the team to a crucial away victory.