Rounds 1-13 of the\u00a02020\/21 Arabian Gulf League\u00a0have flown by in a flash.
\nThe first stage has been lit up by a series of superb performers,\u00a0revelling after more than 200 days of inaction because of coronavirus.
\nWith the help of\u00a0Opta\u00a0and\u00a0Wyscout, here is our selection of the finest players at the halfway point:
\nGK: Fahad Al Dhanhani (Bani Yas)
\n2021 could be a huge one for Al Dhanhani. His six clean sheets from 13 run-outs is the most in the division, a record which is pushing Bani Yas towards shock AFC Champions League-qualification from third. There is also the prospect of adding to his one UAE cap after he was named by the returning Bert van Marwijk in the squad earlier this month to face Iraq. A clean sheet and six saves in Sharjah\u2019s single loss this term can only help his cause.
\nRB: Fahad Sebil (Ittihad Kalba)
\nThere is little extravagant about the combative 31-year-old. Yet he has held down the right flank for an Ittihad Kalba who went eight games undefeated and sit a solid eighth. Averages per 90 minutes of 1.2 for tackles and 7.5 interceptions speak volumes.
\nCB: Lucas Pimenta (Al Wahda)
\nA defender of significant promise is emerging in the capital. Pimenta\u2019s sizeable frame and rare speed is complimented by raw defensive ability, which is getting refined by the match. The 20-year-old Brazilian\u2019s 36 interceptions is a, colossal, seven more than any other player. Seventh-placed Wahda continue to celebrate\u00a0November\u2019s contract extension up to June 2024.
\nCB: Milos Kosanovic (Al Jazira)
\nThe Serbia centre-back spoke in pre-season about his\u00a0admiration for compatriot Sinisa Mihajlovic, arguably football\u2019s greatest free-kick merchant.\u00a0A sensational tribute act has followed, with Al Wasl, Hatta and Ittihad Kalba \u2013 who also suffered in the Arabian Gulf Cup \u2013 on the receiving end. This is without extolling the virtues of an unflappable 30-year-old who knits everything together for the competition\u2019s youngest squad. A contract extension\u00a0until summer 2023 is freshly inked and wisely awarded.
\nLB: Salem Abdullah (Al Ain)
\nIn a pained campaign for fifth-placed Al Ain, uncapped Abdullah signifies a beacon of hope. A slot at left-back has been nailed down by the tall 22-year-old, whose missed just one game. This season has also featured a first AGL goal and his three assists is only bettered by two Emiratis. How much longer will he stay off the UAE radar?
\nDM: Otabek Shukurov (Sharjah)
\nThere are few better proponents of the Uzbekistan international\u2019s position in Asia, let alone the AGL. A stellar reputation has been enhanced at the base of the leader\u2019s midfield, alongside the emergent Majed Surour. This partnership has contributed to the AGL\u2019s second-meanest defence, with only 11 let in. A long-distance, albeit-deflected, winner last time out versus Kalba added further value.
\nIn Brief: 13th edition of Arabian Gulf Super CupFor more details: https:\/\/t.co\/NyF64kKLns#AGSuperCup #OurWinterIsSuper #WorldsCoolestWinter pic.twitter.com\/N7tkR9uhbV— Arabian \u2194\ufe0f Gulf \u2194\ufe0f League (@AGLeague_EN) January 18, 2021
\nCM: Abdullah Ramadan (Al Jazira)
\nA Middle Eastern superstar is ascendant at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium. Ramadan has won\u00a0back-to-back Player of the Month gongs\u00a0this term, plus leads the way in the AGL\u00a0for touches (1,290) and successful passes (930).\u00a0The 22-year-old\u2019s combined tally of four goals and assists is, also, already only one behind 2018\/19\u2019s leading mark of five. With a game intelligence that belies his youth, he can only get better from here. Just ask Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club, after orchestrating November\u2019s 5-3 rout.
\nRW: Suhail Al Noobi (Bani Yas)
\nAl Noobi is on a mission to smash his personal records and drive Bani Yas to surprise glory. The 25-year-old is the joint-third-highest-scoring Emirati (five goals) and has the joint-most assists (five) in the entire league. This is already a marked improvement on 2019\/20\u2019s combined tally of seven, from 15 run-outs. The improved Al Noobi\u2019s polished instincts were on display with an opportunistic brace in last month\u2019s staggering 4-0 thrashing of Al Ain. A chance to add to a solitary UAE cap, surely, should follow.
\nAM: Khalfan Mubarak (Al Jazira)
\nJazira\u2019s aspirations to finish in the upper echelons of the AGL might not have survived yet another debilitating knee injury for 2016 AFC Player of the Year Omar Abdulrahman, just two matches into 2020\/21. Yet, his chosen successor for club and country \u2013 Mubarak \u2013 has carried the creative mantle with aplomb. The 25-year-old has produced three goals and four assists,\u00a0a mesmerising dribble for Zayed Al Ameri\u2019s opener at Fujairah one of this season\u2019s highlights.
\nLW: Igor Coronado (Sharjah)
\nCoronado is a playmaker who, rarely, fails to deliver at clutch moments. His tally of nine goals is the AGL\u2019s fourth best,\u00a0plus is directly worth seven points to Sharjah\u2019s cause.\u00a0This nerveless ability was vital when he sunk a penalty in November\u2019s affirming 1-0 victory at Jazira. Coronado, though, isn\u2019t just about cold numbers \u2013 despite registering the joint-most successful dribbles (42) and second-most key passes (30) from the 11th-most touches (863). December\u2019s\u00a0spellbinding flip flap and inventive drag back at Hatta from the Brazilian deserved far more than a blocked shot.
\nUAE Pro League announces second half of Arabian Gulf League season schedule.For more details: https:\/\/t.co\/D32G2e66JZ#AGLeague#OurGameIsOn pic.twitter.com\/syw4oDYjMG— Arabian \u2194\ufe0f Gulf \u2194\ufe0f League (@AGLeague_EN) January 14, 2021
\nCF: Welliton (Sharjah)
\nSeptember\u2019s misfortune from seriously injured summer addition Jonatan sparked the fortunate reunification between Sharjah and their leading scorer from 2018\/19\u2019s title charge. The unexpected decision to bring the Brazilian back from Al Wasl has been rewarded with a league-high 11 strikes. Last season\u2019s failed experiment with Cape Verde hit man Ricardo Gomes was corrected, at a stroke.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Rounds 1-13 of the\u00a02020\/21 Arabian Gulf League\u00a0have flown by in a flash.
\nThe first stage has been lit up by a series of superb performers,\u00a0revelling after more than 200 days of inaction because of coronavirus.
\nWith the help of\u00a0Opta\u00a0and\u00a0Wyscout, here is our selection of the finest players at the halfway point:
\nGK: Fahad Al Dhanhani (Bani Yas)
\n2021 could be a huge one for Al Dhanhani. His six clean sheets from 13 run-outs is the most in the division, a record which is pushing Bani Yas towards shock AFC Champions League-qualification from third. There is also the prospect of adding to his one UAE cap after he was named by the returning Bert van Marwijk in the squad earlier this month to face Iraq. A clean sheet and six saves in Sharjah\u2019s single loss this term can only help his cause.
\nRB: Fahad Sebil (Ittihad Kalba)
\nThere is little extravagant about the combative 31-year-old. Yet he has held down the right flank for an Ittihad Kalba who went eight games undefeated and sit a solid eighth. Averages per 90 minutes of 1.2 for tackles and 7.5 interceptions speak volumes.
\nCB: Lucas Pimenta (Al Wahda)
\nA defender of significant promise is emerging in the capital. Pimenta\u2019s sizeable frame and rare speed is complimented by raw defensive ability, which is getting refined by the match. The 20-year-old Brazilian\u2019s 36 interceptions is a, colossal, seven more than any other player. Seventh-placed Wahda continue to celebrate\u00a0November\u2019s contract extension up to June 2024.
\nCB: Milos Kosanovic (Al Jazira)
\nThe Serbia centre-back spoke in pre-season about his\u00a0admiration for compatriot Sinisa Mihajlovic, arguably football\u2019s greatest free-kick merchant.\u00a0A sensational tribute act has followed, with Al Wasl, Hatta and Ittihad Kalba \u2013 who also suffered in the Arabian Gulf Cup \u2013 on the receiving end. This is without extolling the virtues of an unflappable 30-year-old who knits everything together for the competition\u2019s youngest squad. A contract extension\u00a0until summer 2023 is freshly inked and wisely awarded.
\nLB: Salem Abdullah (Al Ain)
\nIn a pained campaign for fifth-placed Al Ain, uncapped Abdullah signifies a beacon of hope. A slot at left-back has been nailed down by the tall 22-year-old, whose missed just one game. This season has also featured a first AGL goal and his three assists is only bettered by two Emiratis. How much longer will he stay off the UAE radar?
\nDM: Otabek Shukurov (Sharjah)
\nThere are few better proponents of the Uzbekistan international\u2019s position in Asia, let alone the AGL. A stellar reputation has been enhanced at the base of the leader\u2019s midfield, alongside the emergent Majed Surour. This partnership has contributed to the AGL\u2019s second-meanest defence, with only 11 let in. A long-distance, albeit-deflected, winner last time out versus Kalba added further value.
\nIn Brief: 13th edition of Arabian Gulf Super CupFor more details: https:\/\/t.co\/NyF64kKLns#AGSuperCup #OurWinterIsSuper #WorldsCoolestWinter pic.twitter.com\/N7tkR9uhbV\u2014 Arabian \u2194\ufe0f Gulf \u2194\ufe0f League (@AGLeague_EN) January 18, 2021
\nCM: Abdullah Ramadan (Al Jazira)
\nA Middle Eastern superstar is ascendant at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium. Ramadan has won\u00a0back-to-back Player of the Month gongs\u00a0this term, plus leads the way in the AGL\u00a0for touches (1,290) and successful passes (930).\u00a0The 22-year-old\u2019s combined tally of four goals and assists is, also, already only one behind 2018\/19\u2019s leading mark of five. With a game intelligence that belies his youth, he can only get better from here. Just ask Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club, after orchestrating November\u2019s 5-3 rout.
\nRW: Suhail Al Noobi (Bani Yas)
\nAl Noobi is on a mission to smash his personal records and drive Bani Yas to surprise glory. The 25-year-old is the joint-third-highest-scoring Emirati (five goals) and has the joint-most assists (five) in the entire league. This is already a marked improvement on 2019\/20\u2019s combined tally of seven, from 15 run-outs. The improved Al Noobi\u2019s polished instincts were on display with an opportunistic brace in last month\u2019s staggering 4-0 thrashing of Al Ain. A chance to add to a solitary UAE cap, surely, should follow.
\nAM: Khalfan Mubarak (Al Jazira)
\nJazira\u2019s aspirations to finish in the upper echelons of the AGL might not have survived yet another debilitating knee injury for 2016 AFC Player of the Year Omar Abdulrahman, just two matches into 2020\/21. Yet, his chosen successor for club and country \u2013 Mubarak \u2013 has carried the creative mantle with aplomb. The 25-year-old has produced three goals and four assists,\u00a0a mesmerising dribble for Zayed Al Ameri\u2019s opener at Fujairah one of this season\u2019s highlights.
\nLW: Igor Coronado (Sharjah)
\nCoronado is a playmaker who, rarely, fails to deliver at clutch moments. His tally of nine goals is the AGL\u2019s fourth best,\u00a0plus is directly worth seven points to Sharjah\u2019s cause.\u00a0This nerveless ability was vital when he sunk a penalty in November\u2019s affirming 1-0 victory at Jazira. Coronado, though, isn\u2019t just about cold numbers \u2013 despite registering the joint-most successful dribbles (42) and second-most key passes (30) from the 11th-most touches (863). December\u2019s\u00a0spellbinding flip flap and inventive drag back at Hatta from the Brazilian deserved far more than a blocked shot.
\nUAE Pro League announces second half of Arabian Gulf League season schedule.For more details: https:\/\/t.co\/D32G2e66JZ#AGLeague#OurGameIsOn pic.twitter.com\/syw4oDYjMG\u2014 Arabian \u2194\ufe0f Gulf \u2194\ufe0f League (@AGLeague_EN) January 14, 2021
\nCF: Welliton (Sharjah)
\nSeptember\u2019s misfortune from seriously injured summer addition Jonatan sparked the fortunate reunification between Sharjah and their leading scorer from 2018\/19\u2019s title charge. The unexpected decision to bring the Brazilian back from Al Wasl has been rewarded with a league-high 11 strikes. Last season\u2019s failed experiment with Cape Verde hit man Ricardo Gomes was corrected, at a stroke.<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"image","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24661"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=24661"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24661\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24662,"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24661\/revisions\/24662"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=24661"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=24661"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=24661"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}