Analysis: Could Merih Demiral Follow in the Footsteps of Edouard Mendy and Roger Ibanez?
Al-Ahli star defender Merih Demiral has joined The Greens from Serie A club Atalanta in the latest transfer window. The defender has not been fortunate with injuries, as he is yet to make his come-back to feature with the club, and has not had the chance to build a strong relationship with the supporters. The club lovers of Al-Ahli are very special, and although some of them might misjudge a player, either before his signing or after a few games of play, their backing for the players is unique.
Saudi pundit Hassan Abdulkader has mentioned in the “Al-Diwaniya” TV program how a part of the supporters was against the signature of Roger Ibanez, who turned out to be their favourite player now. Also with Mendy, the star goalkeeper has been criticized, and rightly so, but the supporters have played a major part in getting him to his best. The former Chelsea gloveman has saved his club from conceding some concrete goals, and most notably, he led them to achieve victory in the Jeddah Derby. Now, could Demiral follow in their footsteps?
The player has once been widely regarded as the future of Juventus and the one who would replace Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci. He is a great defender, but his over-aggressiveness has been part of the factors he did not continue with La Vecchia Signora. He has resurged his young career with Atalanta, which has earned him a transfer to the Riyadh-based club, but his start has not been convincing, which has raised some questions about his stay with the club.
The player is reportedly considered as one of the closest players to leave if Al-Ahli brings a new foreigner in the winter transfer market, but the player still has time to showcase his genuine level, when he gets back soon from injury. Roger Ibanez and Edouard Mendy are some concrete examples of how they have been able to turn the situation in their favour.
By: SaudiWorldFootball.com
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