Ammar Al-Ghamdi named Jouy Elite League star after prolific September

Ammar Al-Ghamdi has been named the Jouy Elite League’s standout player for September after scoring five goals for Al-Ittihad Under-21s and helping his side move to the top of the Saudi Under-21 competition.

The young striker appeared in three league matches during the month, scoring at a rate of almost two goals per game. His five-goal haul took his total for the season to six, leaving him second in the scoring chart, one goal behind Al-Ettifaq forward Mohammed Al-Eissa.

Al-Ghamdi made his mark in each of Al-Ittihad’s three victories during the month.

He scored in the 4-1 win against Al-Wehda in round three, then found the net again as Al-Ittihad beat Al-Qadsiah 2-0 in round four. He completed a hat-trick in the following game, leading his team to a 3-1 victory over Al-Faisaly in round five.

Those results lifted Al-Ittihad to the summit of the Jouy Elite League with 13 points, one ahead of second-placed Al-Fateh. Al-Ghamdi played the decisive role in all three victories, underlining his influence at the start of the campaign.

His five goals in September also highlighted the variety in his finishing. Three were scored with his left foot, while the other two came from headers.

That combination has made Al-Ghamdi particularly dangerous whenever he receives the ball close to goal, whether it arrives at his head or falls in front of his stronger left foot. His finishing has been matched by a broader contribution to Al-Ittihad’s attacking play.

The forward is also involved in building attacks, collecting possession and carrying the ball into opponents’ penalty areas. He showed that side of his game during the victory over Al-Qadsiah, when his movement and work with the ball helped create danger as well as goals.

Al-Ghamdi’s September form has revived memories of his performances in the competition’s first season. He scored 14 goals in that campaign and challenged for the golden boot.

Four of those goals came in four knockout-stage matches, demonstrating his ability to deliver when the pressure is greatest.

Al-Ittihad were eliminated in last season’s quarter-final, and Al-Ghamdi now hopes his continued form can help the club go further this time and compete for the title. He is also aiming to finish as the league’s leading scorer after narrowly missing out on the award previously.