Wijnaldum with Al-Ettifaq: Amazing numbers and great development under the leadership of Saad Al-Shehri
Dutch star Georginio Wijnaldum, the midfielder for Saudi club Al-Ettifaq, continues to deliver exceptional performances this season, proving himself a key player for the "Knights of Ad-Dahna." This remarkable form coincides with the arrival of Saudi coach Saad Al-Shehri at the helm, as the team's stability and intelligent tactical deployment have directly impacted the player's statistics and goal contributions, allowing him to enjoy one of the best periods of his professional career in Saudi Arabia.
A tactical shift and numbers that speak for themselves
Since joining Al-Ettifaq in the 2023/2024 season, Wijnaldum has established himself as an indispensable pillar of the midfield. According to official statistics, the Dutch star has played 80 official matches for Al-Ettifaq across all competitions, scoring 31 goals and providing 11 assists. These figures not only reflect his technical ability but also highlight his leadership role in linking the lines and providing the team with the necessary balance between defense and attack.
The statistics reveal a clear contrast in the player's performance between two different periods. Under former English coach Steven Gerrard, Wijnaldum played 50 matches, scoring 11 goals and providing 7 assists, as the team at that time relied on rotation and cautious, collective play. In contrast, his current period under Saad Al-Shehri has witnessed a goal-scoring explosion. In just 30 matches under Al-Shehri's management, he has scored 20 goals and provided 5 assists. This radical transformation is attributed to the tactical freedom Al-Shehri has granted the player, utilizing him as a decisive element in the final third of the attack rather than restricting him to purely defensive roles.
The context of the sports project and the influence of international stars
Wijnaldum's brilliance cannot be separated from the broader context of the tremendous development taking place in Saudi football. The Dutch midfielder's arrival was part of a broader sporting movement aimed at attracting elite international stars to enhance the competitiveness of the Saudi Professional League. Wijnaldum's success with Al-Ettifaq is tangible proof of the club's successful project of integrating global expertise with local talent, thus strengthening the league's position as an attractive destination for top European players.
The imprint of national coach Saad Al-Shehri
National coach Saad Al-Shehri, who took over midway through the 2024/2025 season, deserves credit for his exceptional ability to bring out the best in international stars. Al-Shehri, who boasts a distinguished record with Saudi youth national teams, has proven that a national coach is capable of leading big names and achieving positive results. His attacking approach and exploitation of quick transitions have transformed Wijnaldum into a lethal weapon, constantly threatening the opponents' goal, reviving memories of Al-Ettifaq's historical glory as one of the pillars of Saudi football and the first Saudi club to win international titles.
In conclusion, the fans of the Eastern Province have high hopes for the continuation of this successful partnership between Al-Shehri’s vision and Wijnaldum’s experience, aspiring to translate this brilliance into podium finishes that will bring “Faris Al-Dahna” back to the forefront of local and regional competition.
