Al-Deayea backs Al-Dawsari to win back Al-Hilal starting place

Mohammed Al-Deayea has rejected claims that he believes Salem Al-Dawsari no longer has a place in Al-Hilal’s team, saying the club captain must regain full fitness before competing for a starting position.

The Al-Hilal legend faced criticism from sections of the club’s support after discussing Al-Dawsari’s chances of returning to the first XI following a lengthy injury absence.

Speaking on the television programme Dourina Ghair, Al-Deayea suggested that the 35-year-old could find it difficult to immediately reclaim his place because of his age and the need to rebuild his fitness after being out for an extended period.

Some Al-Hilal fans interpreted those comments as a criticism of Al-Dawsari’s value to the side. Al-Deayea responded in a post on X, insisting that he had not said the winger had no future at the club.

“First of all, what I said about the star Salem Al-Dawsari was clear. I did not say that Salem has no place at Al-Hilal,” Al-Deayea wrote.

“Salem is one of the legends of Asian football, not just Saudi football or Al-Hilal.”

The former goalkeeper said his comments had focused solely on the demands facing Al-Dawsari after his injury and prolonged absence.

“I am talking about Salem’s situation after the injury and the long period away,” he added. “Injuries at the age of 35 always require greater attention to physical readiness so that the player can return to his level and work hard.”

Al-Deayea said Al-Dawsari would need to make a major effort to force his way back into the starting line-up, given the competition within the current squad. However, he also expressed confidence that the captain could achieve that goal.

“If Salem Al-Dawsari wants to return and play as a starter, he must give 200% so that he can compete for a starting place among the stars currently here,” he said. “He is capable of doing that, God willing.”

Al-Deayea also backed Al-Dawsari to remain an important figure for Saudi Arabia, predicting that he could lead the national team at the next Asian Cup.

“God willing, Salem will be the one leading us as captain of the national team at the Asian Cup,” he said.

The Al-Hilal great ended his message by stressing that former players were motivated by the club’s interests and stability. He also criticised those he said had distorted his remarks or attempted to provoke controversy.

“As former stars, we are always standing with the club, supporting it, and our aim is the club’s interests and stability,” Al-Deayea said. “As for those who want to fish in troubled waters, I have one word for them: dream on.”

Al-Deayea said the video of his original comments clearly showed his position and rejected what he described as an attempt to alter their meaning. Al-Dawsari’s possible return to Al-Hilal’s starting XI is therefore set to remain a major talking point among the club’s supporters.