Riyad Mahrez's numbers with Al Ahli: A historic century and a brilliant performance against Al Khaleej
Algerian international Riyad Mahrez, the Desert Warrior, continues to cement his status as one of the most prominent signings in the history of the Saudi Professional League. He proves day after day that he is not just a world-class player who joined Al-Ahli, but a true leader of the team's project. This was clearly demonstrated after he reached his 100th match in the "Royal" jersey, achieving remarkable statistics that reflect his immense talent: 73 goal contributions, brilliantly distributed between 33 goals and 40 assists, making him one of the most influential players in the attacking third.
In his latest performance, specifically in Al-Ahli's match against Al-Khaleej in the 17th round of the Roshan Professional League, Riyad Mahrez delivered a complete footballing display reminiscent of his world-class performances in European leagues. Mahrez was the star of the attack, creating the only goal of the match with a magical touch and topping the list of players who created the most clear-cut chances (8), in addition to delivering the most successful crosses (3). His brilliance wasn't limited to the attacking side; he also demonstrated high tactical discipline, completing all three of his dribbles, winning all five duels, recovering the ball three times, and making one successful clearance, confirming his comprehensive presence and significant impact on all aspects of the match.
The context of the transfer and its impact on Saudi football
This brilliance cannot be separated from the broader context of Riyad Mahrez's move to the Saudi League. The Algerian star arrived in Jeddah from Manchester City fresh off a historic treble (Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League), raising expectations to unprecedented heights. Mahrez represents a crucial part of the transformative shift taking place in Saudi Arabian sports. The presence of players of his caliber and experience contributes to raising the market and technical value of the Roshan League and attracting global attention to the domestic competitions.
A key pillar in Al-Ahli's competitive project
Riyad Mahrez's importance transcends mere numbers and statistics; he represents the cornerstone of Al-Ahli's project to return to the podium and compete on the continental stage. His ability to link the lines, retain possession under pressure, and provide individual solutions in tight matches makes him an indispensable element in the coach's lineup. These statistics and his steadily rising performances clearly demonstrate that Riyad Mahrez is not just a fleeting star, but a living legend striving to leave an unforgettable footballing legacy in the Kingdom's stadiums and continue leading Al-Ahli towards fulfilling the aspirations of its vast fan base.
