Our Arabian Gulf League reporter Matt Monaghan decides his picks of the week in the three categories: player, goal and coach of the week.
Player of the week: Sebastian Tagliabue (Al Wahda)
It’s been a tough few weeks for ‘Tigali’, a family emergency seeing him head home to Argentina. He missed the thrashing by Al Ain and returned just in time to be a substitute in the loss to Al Ahli. Now back in the swing of things once again, the striker was at his predatory best in the 2-0 victory against Al Nasr. His opener required tremendous chest control and a quick mind to poke home, the game-sealing second a precise low strike to move onto eight goals for the season.
Goal of the week: Ali Mabkhout (Al Jazira)
Confidence is surging through Mabkhout at the moment, which is unsurprising considering he was top scorer at November’s Gulf Cup and lies second in the Arabian Gulf League ranks. The 24-year-old has an eye for the spectacular, and it was no different in the 4-2 win against Al Wasl. Excellent footwork got him passed the outstretched legs of Hassan Zahran. Clean through on goal, it was time for something more audacious. His nick to the side of goalkeeper Yousif Abdulla required imagination and skill to pull off, great acceleration following to meet the ball and tap home.
Coach of the week: Ivan Hasek (Fujairah)
The pressure was on Hasek, his second game at the Fujairah helm coming against second-bottom Ajman. Defeat would have seen his new charges drop into the relegation zone at the worst possible time, the league now set for a lengthy break for the Asian Cup. An authorative display was rewarded by Boubacar Sanogo’s solitary strike. Solace found at the Orange Brigade’s expense. Fujairah must kick on in the months to come, Hasek no doubt looking to refresh his foreign ranks during the imminent transfer window.
