Ali Ehab says Ali Mahmoud’s move to Al Ahly opened the door for his Al Sharqia Enppi breakthrough

Ali Ehab believes the departure of former team-mate Ali Mahmoud to Al Ahly has played a major part in his increased involvement with Al Sharqia Enppi.

Mahmoud left Al Sharqia Enppi for Al Ahly at the start of the current season, moving alongside fellow team-mate Aqtai Abdullah.

Speaking to On Sport, Ehab said: “Ali Mahmoud’s move to Al Ahly helped me get a great opportunity to play more regularly with Al Sharqia Enppi.”

The player also praised the club’s approach to developing young footballers, saying the system in place has helped prepare academy players to step into the first team when a senior player leaves.

“Ayman El-Sherie works in an excellent way and has a system that helps prepare players in the youth teams to play for the first team if any player departs,” Ehab added.

Ehab also explained that he offers a different style from Mahmoud, despite the pair having previously competed for opportunities at the same club.

“My playing style is different from Ali Mahmoud’s,” he said. “I am closer to an attacking midfielder, while he is closer to a central midfielder.”

Ehab has made a positive impression for Al Sharqia Enppi during the opening five rounds of the Egyptian Premier League. He has also scored once, finding the net against Al Ahly.