Saudi international Salem Al-Dawsari, the icon of Al-Hilal, continued to write new chapters in the history of Saudi football after scoring a spectacular goal against Al-Ettifaq in the 22nd round of the Saudi Professional League. This goal wasn't just another addition to "The Tornado's" career; it officially cemented his status as one of the league's all-time legends.

Record-breaking numbers immortalize Al-Dossari's name

Salem Al-Dawsari's latest goal further cemented his status as a record-breaking player in the history of the Saudi Professional League. According to official statistics, Al-Dawsari has become the player with the most assists in the competition's history, boasting 64 , a testament to his exceptional vision and impactful teamwork. Beyond his playmaking abilities, Al-Dawsari has also demonstrated his prolific goal-scoring prowess, contributing to 84 goals . This makes him the player with the most goal contributions in the league's history, totaling 148 (goals and assists), surpassing many legendary figures and foreign professionals who have graced Saudi football.

Local dominance and exceptional continuity

The achievements of Al-Hilal's captain didn't stop there. He also set another record reflecting his exceptional technical ability, becoming the player with the most assists in a single season, with 15. The statistics also demonstrate his commitment and consistency on the field, as he holds the record for most appearances in the history of the Saudi Professional League, with 291 matches . Remarkably, Al-Dawsari's scoring prowess was evident in his ability to find the net against 27 different teams , an unprecedented number that underscores his decisiveness against diverse opponents and the versatility of his attacking options.

Historical context and Al-Dossari's influence

These figures take on added significance when considered within the broader context of the Saudi Professional League's (SPL) development. Amidst the remarkable growth of Saudi sports and the influx of world-class players, local talent, exemplified by Salem Al-Dawsari, continues to prove its worth and compete with the best. Al-Dawsari, a former Asian Player of the Year, is a cornerstone of Al-Hilal's golden generation, which has dominated domestic and continental titles in recent years.

Salem Al-Dawsari's achievements transcend mere statistics; he exemplifies the Saudi professional player capable of maintaining his high level of performance for many years, making him an inspiration to future generations. With these accomplishments, "The Tornado" continues to cement his name as an enduring Al-Hilal icon, reaffirming that his influence on the club's journey remains strong and enduring amidst fierce competition both domestically and continentally.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that his team is suffering from severe "physical and mental fatigue" in the pre-match press conference ahead of their FA Cup fourth-round clash against Salford City on Saturday. The Spanish coach indicated his intention to make significant changes to the starting lineup to give some key players a much-needed rest.

A busy schedule and the tax of competition on all fronts

Manchester City are experiencing a period of intense pressure as they continue to compete in four different competitions simultaneously. Since the start of the year, the Sky Blues have had no more than four days of rest between matches, placing a heavy burden on both the players and coaching staff. This match represents a final opportunity before the team enjoys a full week of rest, which Guardiola considers a lifeline to regroup before the crucial stages of the season.

In a related context, Guardiola stressed the importance of the FA Cup, saying: "Our priority is to beat Salford and advance to the next round. We have reached the final of this tournament more than once in recent years, and despite the bad luck that plagued us in the last two finals against Manchester United and Crystal Palace, reaching Wembley is always a mark of success that we constantly think about.".

Facing Salford: Between memories of the 8-0 defeat and caution

Despite the vast difference in resources and history – Salford currently play in League Two – and despite City's crushing 8-0 victory in last year's encounter, Guardiola refused to underestimate their opponents. Pep said: "I try to instill in the players that nothing is guaranteed in football, and that every game has its own challenges. Things might look easy on paper, but we have to do our job on the pitch.".

Doubts surround Haaland, while Simeone shines

Regarding absences and injuries, doubts surround the participation of Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, who was substituted at halftime in the recent Fulham match due to discomfort. Guardiola explained that the medical staff downplayed the severity of the injury, but preferred not to risk him in the second half, and his condition will be assessed before the match.

In contrast, Guardiola praised the impressive performance of striker Antoine Simeone, who joined the team in January and has scored five goals and provided two assists in record time. The manager confirmed that he has adjusted the team's tactics to maximize the Ghanaian winger's potential, emphasizing the need to adapt to the quality of available players to ensure the team continues to perform strongly and compete for titles, including the upcoming League Cup final against Arsenal in March.

German coach Matthias Jäissle, manager of Al-Ahli's first football team, expressed his immense happiness and complete satisfaction with his team's performance and the resounding 5-2 victory over Al-Shabab in the top match of the round of the Saudi Professional League. Jäissle emphasized that the team delivered a complete and well-deserved performance, earning them the three points.

Speaking at the press conference following the match, Yaisleh noted that the game was exciting and enjoyable from the very first moments, explaining that the coaching staff, the players, and certainly the vast Al-Ahli fan base, enjoyed the sweeping attacking performance and the high tactical discipline displayed by the team, despite the physical challenges of the congested match schedule and playing a match every two days, which reflects the mental and physical readiness of the “Royal” squad.

The German coach addressed the goals his team conceded, explaining that Al Shabab managed to score two from set pieces (a penalty and a free kick) expertly executed by Belgian star Yannick Carrasco. He emphasized that these goals stemmed from the high individual quality of the opposing players, not from any lapse in Al Ahli's defense or loss of focus. He asserted that his team dominated the game and prevented their opponents from posing a genuine threat through open play.

This result is particularly significant given the overall context of the Saudi Professional League, which is witnessing tremendous development and attracting some of the world's top stars. Matches between Al-Ahli and Al-Shabab are considered classics of Saudi football, enjoying widespread local and regional media and fan interest. A resounding 5-2 victory in such a high-profile match sends a powerful message from Al-Ahli, confirming their strong return to contention and their ability to compete with the top teams, thus reinforcing the Saudi league's position as one of the strongest in the region.

Yassle added that his team displayed great maturity and discipline throughout the ninety minutes, managing the game intelligently, especially given the impossibility of maintaining the same high-pressing intensity due to fatigue. He pointed out that Al Ahly simply needed to convert more chances to extend their lead at certain points in the first half, which they later achieved thanks to their attacking efficiency.

Yassle concluded his remarks by emphasizing the team's consistent strategy in approaching matches, noting that they face each game with the same seriousness and approach they have followed in previous seasons, while fully respecting the strength of their opponents in the fiercely contested Roshan League. The coach reiterated his strong confidence in his players and their ability to continue their positive run of results and bring joy to Al-Ahli fans in upcoming competitions.