Mohamedou Doumbia's stats in the Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Hilal match – a comprehensive analysis
Malian star Mohamed Doumbia , the Al-Ittihad midfielder, stole the show during the fiery derby against arch-rivals Al-Hilal, which took place at the Kingdom Arena and ended in a 1-1 draw. This match was part of the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional League and coincided with the Kingdom's Founding Day celebrations, adding a special festive and competitive atmosphere to the encounter.
Exceptional performance in the midfield battle
Doumbia's appearance in this football summit was far from fleeting; it was the defining moment for Al-Ittihad. Technical statistics revealed his overwhelming dominance in midfield, where he topped the list of players with the most successful duels, winning eight. This figure reflects his immense physical strength and sharp mental focus in winning back possession and nipping the opponent's attacks in the bud – a crucial factor against a team with a formidable attacking arsenal like Al-Hilal.
Team engine and opportunity creator
Doumbia's role extended beyond defense to include active participation in attacking build-up play. He established himself as Al-Ittihad's most frequent toucher of the ball with 71 touches, demonstrating his teammates' high level of confidence in him and their view of him as the key figure in bringing the ball out from the back and linking the lines. Furthermore, he displayed remarkable individual skill, topping the list of successful dribbles with 3 completed attempts, which helped his team break down the opponent's pressure and create space in the attacking third.
Tactical impact and added value
On the direct attacking front, Doumbia didn't just create chances; he was a true creator of danger, topping the list of chance creators with three clear-cut scoring opportunities. These comprehensive statistics confirm that Doumbia wasn't just a traditional defensive midfielder, but rather excelled in the role of a "complete player" (box-to-box). These figures gain added significance considering the timing of the match and its high stakes for the fans, as the Saudi Clasico is a showcase for Arab football, and any player's brilliance in it instantly earns him recognition from fans and sports analysts alike.
In conclusion, this match proved that recruiting Doumbia was a quality addition to the Tigers squad, as he succeeded in providing the required balance to the midfield, and his movements contributed to Al-Ittihad coming out with a valuable point from Al-Hilal’s new stronghold, confirming his readiness to be one of the pillars of the club’s sports project in the upcoming local and continental competitions.
