Level Up: Frank Kessi's Breakout Season with Al-Ahli Sparks Saudi Heights

What Comes After Doubt

Ivory Coast star Frank Kessi, Al-Ahli Saudi midfielder, is delivering a standout start to the current season, making him one of the favourites for his German coach Matthias Jaissle, as the Royals raise their ambitions and aim to surpass last season's achievement of lifting the AFC Champions League Elite title for the first time in club history.

Kessi is in his third season with the club, backed by substantial European experience, notably with Barcelona and Milan, yet he has proven to be a strong addition and one of the signings Jeddah's giants hoped for to steady the midfield rhythm and balance defense and attack.

Jaissle's Trust

There was a period of doubt before this season, with lingering links back to Serie A, notably Fiorentina, where a coach once pursued him as a perfect fit for the midfield amid the pressures of the league.

But as the new season approached, management and the coach confirmed he would remain at Al-Ahli, allowing him to focus on the tasks ahead and prove the doubters wrong with production on the pitch.

Jaissle has placed significant trust in the 28-year-old, who is capable of shouldering multiple tasks and becoming a key pivot for the team, enabling teammates to play with added freedom and balance.

His presence also frees up other gifted players like Enzo Mio to operate more freely, while Kessi concentrates on linking defense and attack and driving transitions through the middle.

technically, Kessi operates as the dynamic anchor in midfield, controlling tempo, winning balls under pressure, and finding space to push forward and create opportunities. He can read the game well and distribute with accuracy, making him a constant thread through Al-Ahli’s moves.

Physically, he remains one of the strongest players in the Saudi league, delivering robust duels, solid ball retention, and threats from set-pieces and long-range efforts, keeping opponents wary of his influence.

Beyond his play, Kessi is a leader with a wealth of experience from Milan and Barcelona, guiding teammates and helping the squad stay cohesive in big matches, reinforcing the club's bid to reclaim a top position in Saudi football.

Elevated Numbers, Rising Impact

In the current season, after 12 matches, he has already netted five goals, approaching his best scoring form with the club when he previously hit 10 goals and laid on 33 assists in a full season, a clear signal that his ceiling is still being raised.

Last season saw him play a pivotal role in the team’s triumph in the Elite AFC Champions League, delivering strong performances and contributing to key wins, especially in major showdowns against rivals, even if his league numbers were more modest with four goals and five assists in 44 appearances.

Against the Qatar-based opponents Al-Gharafa, he scored twice in a 4-0 victory and earned a high rating for his showing, highlighted by precise distribution (high 70s to 80s accuracy) and meaningful involvement across the field in limited minutes.

In sum, the Ivorians’ form has reinforced Al-Ahli’s midfield spine and provided a template for how Jaissle wants the team to play—compact without the ball and dynamic with it.

Touchstone of Trust and Leadership

Jaissle’s confidence in Kessi is underlined by his role as a central conduit between defense and attack, a player who can initiate and sustain phases of play while keeping pressing lines tight and disciplined.

The addition of another standout like Enzo Mio has allowed Kessi to specialize more as a connector, focusing on distribution and positioning to maximize the team’s collective pressure and counter-attack threat.

Technically, Kessi acts as the engine of the midfield, maintaining rhythm, winning the ball under pressure, and facilitating forward progress through smart passes and smart off-ball movement.

Physically, his durability and robustness stand out in a league known for full-throttle clashes, and his reliability in set-piece situations adds another dimension to Al-Ahli’s attacking repertoire.

Beyond the Xs and Os, Kessi has grown into a true leader, drawing on a lifetime of top-tier experiences to mentor younger teammates and help Al-Ahli press their claim for domestic and continental success.

Reflecting on recent results, the club sees a more cohesive unit with Kessi at the hub, a player whose influence extends beyond goals and assists to the overall balance and confidence of the side.

Season’s Pulse and a Coach’s Regret

On another front, a recent press conference centered on the implications of selling a key talent, with the head coach of a rival side admitting regret over moving Saleh Abu Al-Shamat on, suggesting that he might have been a cornerstone if kept. He stressed that his departure won’t be the end of the world and that the club would assess the quality remaining within the squad and the local talent pipeline.

He acknowledged his impatience at times and conceded not all decisions prove correct, emphasizing that the club must continue to evolve with the pieces it has left and the resilience of the players who stay.

In the end, the focus remains on how Al-Ahli leverages what’s left in the squad to maintain momentum and compete at the highest level, both domestically and in Asia.

Punchline time: If Kessi keeps cooking pages of the stat sheet, the only thing sharper than his passes will be the headlines. And if the defense starts slacking, don’t worry—Kessi’s got enough goals to plant a few more exclamation marks on the scoreboard. Also: the midfield might be a mastermind, but even a good espresso can’t espresso itself into a better performance—so pass the coffee and let the goals do the talking.