Rising star of Saudi Analytics Volume 5 - Focus on Saud Abdulhamid
Case Studies

Rising star of Saudi Analytics Volume 5 – Focus on Saud Abdulhamid

In the fifth volume of  the Rising Star of Saudi Analytics series created by Ahmed Hayyan, he shines a spotlight on Saud Abdulhamid, a trailblazing figure in Saudi football who has recently moved to the Italian Serie A. The 25-year-old defender has not only made history as the first Saudi player to secure a permanent move to one of Europe’s top five leagues but has also quickly established himself as a valuable asset for AS Roma.

Abdulhamid’s journey to Serie A is a testament to his talent and the growing influence of Saudi football on the global stage. On November 25, 2024, he etched his name in the annals of football history by becoming the first Saudi player to feature in Italy’s top division. This milestone came just months after his groundbreaking transfer from Al Hilal to AS Roma in August 2024.

Despite initial skepticism surrounding his move, Abdulhamid has adapted swiftly to the demands of Serie A. In just 315 minutes of play across three full matches, he has already left an indelible mark on the league, scoring one goal and providing one assist. This immediate impact underscores his ability to compete at the highest level of European football.

Analysing Abdulhamid’s heatmap reveals his significant influence on Roma’s play. Primarily deployed as a Right Back (RB) or Right Wing Back (RWB), he demonstrates exceptional activity along the flanks. His positioning is crucial in providing overloads in the final third and midfield, offering his teammates additional passing options and creating 2v1 situations that put pressure on opposing defences.

Abdulhamid’s offensive output has been particularly noteworthy. In his limited Serie A appearances, he has already made 13 half-space passes and 2 key passes into Zone 14 – the critical area just outside the opponent’s penalty box. This data, combined with his Expected Threat (xT) metrics, highlights his significant presence in the opponent’s half and his ability to contribute to Roma’s attacking phase.

The young Saudi defender has shown impressive passing skills in his Serie A outings. With 122 total passes and 110 successful completions, Abdulhamid boasts a strong passing accuracy. Most of his passes are made in the opponent’s half, reflecting an offensive mindset that aligns well with modern fullback play. This passing prowess is particularly remarkable given that he’s still adapting to a new league and team.

Abdulhamid’s goal-scoring ability, honed during his time in the Saudi Pro League, has translated well to Serie A. In his final season with Al-Hilal, he recorded 19 shots, scoring 3 goals with an xG of 2.50. His Serie A statistics are equally impressive, with 3 shots, 1 goal, and an xG of 0.37 across just three games. This goal-scoring threat from a defensive position adds another dimension to Roma’s attack.

Beyond his goal-scoring, Abdulhamid has proven to be a capable creator. With 1 assist and 5 total chance-creating actions in his brief Serie A career so far, he’s demonstrating his ability to contribute to the team’s overall offensive output. This versatility makes him a valuable asset in Roma’s tactical setup.

Abdulhamid’s impact hasn’t been limited to Serie A. On December 12, 2024, he became the first Saudi footballer to score in a European competition while playing for a Serie A club. His goal against Braga in the UEFA Europa League not only helped secure a victory for Roma but also marked a significant milestone for Saudi and Middle Eastern football.

Abdulhamid’s path to Serie A stardom began in the youth academy of Al-Ittihad, where he first caught the eye of scouts and fans alike. His subsequent move to Al-Hilal saw him develop into a bona fide superstar of the Saudi Pro League, winning two league titles in the 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons. This success at the domestic level paved the way for his historic move to Roma.

At just 25 years old, Abdulhamid possesses a combination of speed, intelligence, and immense potential. His rapid adaptation to Serie A suggests a bright future ahead. As he continues to gain experience and refine his skills in one of the world’s most tactically sophisticated leagues, there’s little doubt that he will become an increasingly integral part of Roma’s squad.

Saud Abdulhamid’s journey from Saudi Arabia to Serie A represents more than just personal achievement; it’s a landmark moment for Saudi football. His early success with Roma demonstrates that Saudi players can compete at the highest levels of European football. As Abdulhamid continues to break new ground and improve his game, he not only enhances his own reputation but also paves the way for future generations of Saudi footballers to dream big and aim for the world’s top leagues.

Thank you to Ahmed Hayyan for this instalment and Jobs4football look forward to publishing the next piece of work.

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