A doubleheader against Jamaica witnessed contrasting fortunes, and displays, when Herve Renard’s Saudi Arabia ended their 11-month hiatus.
Salem Al Dawsari’s rebound from his penalty, Al Hilal club-mate Saleh Al Shehri’s sharp finish and Al Nassr prospect Firas Al Buraikan’s tap-in handed the Green Falcons a 3-0 victory at Riyadh’s Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium on Saturday. Experimentation with a change in shape would then produce uncertain outcomes in Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat, during which Daniel Johnson and Javon East emphatically responded to Al Shabab youngster Abdullah Al Hamdan’s well-taken opener.
Here is a rundown of the issues coach Herve Renard will now be pondering as he looks ahead after his first matches back in the dugout since December 2019’s shock Gulf Cup final reversal to Bahrain:
AN IDENTITY EMERGING?
For reasons both within and outside of his control, Renard’s introduction to Saudi football has been staccato.
Disappointing World Cup 2022 qualifying draws versus Yemen and Palestine are contrasted with the heart-racing 3-2 triumph in Uzbekistan. Raucous semi-final joy versus hosts Qatar was swiftly forgotten by pained defeat to the Bahrainis in last winter’s Gulf get together.
Asserting an identity is never easy for international coaches with such little contact time. Coronavirus has only accentuated this.
Yet, tangible signs of development were present versus the Reggae Boyz. Even with mixed results.
There was the fascinating first deviation in his 13-match reign away from a four-man defence, for the second meeting. This is a tactic used rarely in the Middle East, but one which could prove invaluable to meet specific future tests.
Extra emphasis was made on passing out from the back. The 32 long passes recorded in last week’s opener was the least, according to Wyscout, since Renard’s friendly debut, September 2019’s 1-1 draw with Mali.
?⚽️ — الأخضر يختتم تحضيراته لمواجهة منتخب جامايكا وديًا ضمن الإعداد للتصفيات الآسيوية ?.https://t.co/NK2b4e8NDA#معاك_يالأخضر pic.twitter.com/rRxDLiRH6n— المنتخب السعودي (@SaudiNT) November 16, 2020
This is a laudable achievement versus opponents ranked 48th in the world by FIFA, 19 spots in front of the Saudis.
An aggressive press drew mistakes for Al Shehri’s and Al Buraikan’s strikes in the opener, plus a reckless giveaway which led to Al Hamdan’s goal this midweek.
Al Ahli Jeddah defender Mohamed Al Khabrani’s thunderous early tackle in the 3-0 win also showcased a physicality so often absent in the past.
On the other hand, Santos de Guapiles striker East’s clincher came from risky passing at the back and a muscular challenge on callow substitute Mukhtar Ali. Similarly injudicious use of the ball, and loss of shape, in a hectic final 30 minutes should have also seen Jamaica’s winning margin increase.
There is significant work to do for the spring’s qualifying resumption – and beyond into the third round. A man of Renard’s repute on the international arena will relish it.
STRIKING OUT?
From being Saudi Arabia’s position of weakness, centre forward now appears an area of growing strength.
Al Shehri, Al Buraikan and Al Hamdan produced three of the four goals scored during this break. All are most comfortable up top.
The days of shoehorning peerless winger Al Dawsari and Al Ittihad flyer Fahad Al Muwallad is at an end.
د29' هدف للسعودية! ⚽#عبدالله الحمدان يفتتح التسجيل#السعودية 1 : 0 #جامايكا#السعودية_جامايكا? — شاهد الهدف! ? pic.twitter.com/khR49vfcI4— القنوات الرياضية السعودية (@riyadiyatv) November 17, 2020
But there is a significant caveat. None of Al Shehri, Al Buraikan and Al Hamdan can be considered first-choice picks in the Saudi Professional League.
Abdulfattah Adam’s progress on loan at Al Raed from Nassr should be watched closely.
FUTURE IS IN SAFE HANDS
With reinvigorated Al Hilal goalkeeper Abdullah Al Mayouf’s absence from the international arena permanent, identification of a long-term custodian is one of the key questions Renard must answer.
An intriguing option emerged against Jamaica. The 23-year-old Mohammed Al Yami started both friendlies, which is the same number of SPL matches he’s racked up in the last two seasons at Al Ahli Jeddah.
Fears about rustiness were soon assuaged.
Al Yami was a virtual bystander in the 3-0 victory, before pulling off some impressive stops during the second’s frantic finale. None more so than his double save on Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey and East, the latter being denied from point-blank range.
الإحـمـــاء ?✅ pic.twitter.com/fFrNGleb4Q— المنتخب السعودي (@SaudiNT) November 14, 2020
All three keepers called up for the Gulf Cup did not come this time. Late injury to Al Wehda’s Abdullah Al Owaishir then provided further hindrance.
It was, still, a bold move to go with Saudi youth international Al Yami.
Renard must now hope the younger man can oust Yasser Al Mosailem at club level, making the Ahli and Saudi No1 shirts his own for the next decade.
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