Following Mohamed Salah’s move to Liverpool, Sport360 have put together a Best current Arab XI.
Do you agree with our team? Who do you think should’ve been in the XI?
ALI AL HABSI (2015- Reading)
The Omani has the most number of appearances as a goalkeeper in the Gulf Cup playing in four consecutive tournaments – and earning the award as best number one in each edition.
His crowning moment came in 2009 when he guided Oman to a first Gulf Cup title, keeping a clean sheet in every match in the process.
Ali Al Habsi.
FAOUZI GHOULAM (2014- Napoli)
Epitomising the voracious work-rate in the Napoli team, Ghoulam’s 87% pass completion rate in the Serie A this season is just one sign of his dependability, while his ability to barrel forward has helped make him arguably the best left-back in the league.
Faouzi Ghoulam.
MEDHI BENATIA (2017- Juventus)
The Moroccan has well and truly become a boon in this Juventus side since signing at the beginning of last season. A class act on and off the ball.
Medhi Benatia.
AISSA MANDI (2016- Real Betis)
Perhaps the unsung hero in a star-studded Arab line-up.
The 25-year-old Algerian is a consistently excellent presence going forward and offers vital support for Sofiane Hanni at defensive midfield.
Aissa Mandi.
ZOUHAIR FEDDAL (2016- Alaves)
When at his combative best, the Moroccan is difficult to stop and presents himself effectively in both attack and defence.
He made 26 appearances for Alaves last season, attempting to inject pace into an attack that lacked goals and ability.
Zouhair Feddal.
NABIL BENTALEB (2017- Schalke)
The former Tottenham Hotspur player has revitalized his career since joining Schalke on loan last season.
His two goal haul against Mainz made him the first Algerian to achieve this feat in the Bundesliga.
One half of our Arab XI’s box-to-box midfield duo, Bentaleb’s energy and influence knows no bounds.
Nabil Bentaleb.
SOFIANE HANNI (2016- Anderlecht)
Offers real leadership in midfield and has been Anderlecht’s key player over the last two seasons.
One of the most intelligent players on the field, the Algerian often makes the sublime seem simple.
Sofiane Hanni.
HAKIM ZIYECH (2016- Ajax)
Provides the team with a shot of adrenaline every time he touches the ball.
The Ajax star has scored 11 goals and provided 16 assists in 45 games in all competitions this season.
Hakim Ziyech.
OMAR ABDULRAHMAN (2008- Al Ain)
The reigning AFC Player of the Year is a vital cog in Al Ain and the UAE’s attack.
Persistent running on and off the ball make the Emirati livewire a real nuisance for opposition defenders.
He scored six goals and provided ten assists in 22 Arabian Gulf League games this season.
Omar Abdulrahman.
RIYAD MAHREZ (2014- Leicester City)
The former African Footballer of the Year was an inspirational presence in Leicester City’s Premier League triumph in 2016.
He has a formidable goalscoring ability, having netted 17 times during the Foxes title winning campaign under Claudio Ranieri.
Riyad Mahrez.
MOHAMED SALAH (2017- Liverpool)
Completing the most terrifying attacking triumvirate in Arab football is new Liverpool signing Salah.
Always produces a high calibre display, especially for Egypt where he has been a constant thorn for the Pharaohs since making his debut in 2011.
