Marino Pusic has shown his hand. On a hot Friday in the Saudi league’s fifth round, the Al-Ahli head coach has gone all-in on firepower against Al-Riyadh.
Ivan Toney leads the line, flanked by Francisco Trincao and Wanderson Galeno in a bold attacking trident that leaves no doubt about Pusic’s intentions. This is a side picked to dominate the ball, pin the opposition back, and turn possession into punishment.
Behind them, creativity and control run through the midfield. Valentin Atangana, Artem Bondarenko and Edward Spertsyan form the core of a unit built to feed that front three and keep Al-Ahli on the front foot. With Spertsyan’s eye for a pass, Bondarenko’s industry and Atangana’s balance, Pusic has stacked the centre of the pitch with players who can both dictate and disrupt.
At the back, there is experience and authority. Edouard Mendy starts in goal, protected by a defensive line of Rayan Hamed, Mohammed Bakr, Roger Ibanez and Saad Balobaid. It is a back four that can step high, squeeze the game, and trust Mendy to handle anything that breaks through.
Al-Ahli XI vs Al-Riyadh:
Edouard Mendy; Rayan Hamed, Mohammed Bakr, Roger Ibanez, Saad Balobaid; Valentin Atangana, Artem Bondarenko, Edward Spertsyan; Francisco Trincao, Wanderson Galeno, Ivan Toney.
Across the pitch, Al-Riyadh respond with a more measured, compact look. Milan Borjan starts in goal, with Sultan Al-Issa, Abdelilah Al-Khaibari, Rodrigo Abascal and Sulaiman Hazazi forming a back line tasked with absorbing waves of pressure.
In midfield, Fahad Jizani and Victor Lekhal are set up to screen the defence and break Al-Ahli’s rhythm, while Teddy Okou and Issam Bahri offer the legs to spring forward when the chance arises. Hassan Al-Ali leads the line, expected to make the most of limited service and punish any lapse in concentration.
Al-Riyadh XI vs Al-Ahli:
Milan Borjan; Sultan Al-Issa, Abdelilah Al-Khaibari, Rodrigo Abascal, Sulaiman Hazazi; Fahad Jizani, Victor Lekhal; Teddy Okou, Issam Bahri, Hassan Al-Ali.
One team loaded with attacking intent, the other braced for resistance and counter-punches. On paper, it looks like a clash of styles. On the pitch, it will reveal whether Pusic’s aggressive selection turns into a statement or an invitation to be caught on the break.
