Saudi Star Sparks Debate Ahead of the Clasico: Will Dawsari Hold the Line?

Clasico Spotlight: Dawsari Under Scrutiny

Ahmed Ateef, a Saudi football icon and former Al-Shabab star, has sparked a wide debate by candidly addressing Salem Al-Dawsari's status, arguing that his recent form could threaten his starting place under Italian coach Simone Inzaghi.

Clasico Context and Standings

As the Saudi Clasico approaches, the match is set for King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. In the Roshan Saudi Pro League standings, Al Ittihad sit fifth with 10 points, while Al Hilal are fourth with 11 points after three wins, a draw, and a loss.

Inzaghi’s Dilemma and Dawsari's Injury

Inzaghi hinted that Al-Dawsari's participation could be uncertain due to an injury sustained with the national team during the World Cup playoff. He said the player is being assessed and there is no confirmation of his availability yet.

Leadership and Asian Achievement

Despite the setback, Al-Dawsari remains a high-level technician. He recently earned the Asian Player of the Year award for 2025, becoming the first Saudi to win it twice, after his 2022 triumph. He spoke about the achievement in a press conference, thanking the team and staff for their support.

Supporting Voices

Ateef also praised Abdullah Al-Hamdan for his work rate and technical ability, suggesting he could thrive as a secondary striker while continuing to develop.

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Technical Analysis and Clasico Preview

Ateef offered a tactical preview: Al Ittihad under less pressure than the hosts, with a dynamic wing game and the threat of Benzema’s movement posing challenges. For Al Hilal, the defense has shown vulnerability to counter-pressing, and a heavy reliance on quick transitions. The clash is framed as a test of system versus star power, with Inzaghi’s blueprint and Dawsari’s fit as the defining variables.

Inzaghi: Dawsari’s Availability in Doubt

Inzaghi, speaking after a victory in Asia, indicated that Dawsari’s participation may be in doubt due to the injury sustained with the national team. He stressed that the club is doing all it can to rehab the captain, but could not guarantee his involvement in the clash against Al Ittihad.

Historically, Dawsari has faced past injury interruptions, including a period when he carried the load of leadership for the national team during World Cup qualifiers.

Asian Glory and Domestic Form

Even with the injuries, Dawsari’s influence remains significant: he has continued to impact the league and proved his elite status by winning the Asian Player of the Year award for 2025, a historic double after his 2022 triumph. His comments and performances have kept him at the center of the conversation.

He remarked after the ceremony that the award reflected hard work and perseverance, and acknowledged the support of teammates and staff in achieving it.

Two more angles to watch as kickoff approaches: the pressure on Al Hilal to bridge the gap to leaders Al Nassr, and the potential tactical adjustments Inzaghi might deploy to maximize Dawsari’s strengths if he is named in the starting XI. The fans are bracing for a Clasico that could redefine the early-season dynamics.

Punchline time: If goals were currency, Dawsari would be the banker who never misses a payment. Punchline 2: Inzaghi’s playbook is like my fridge—when you open it, you’re never sure what you’ll get, but you’re hoping for a goals-filled surprise.