Five young Saudi stars in the spotlight as Jowy Elite League season begins

The new Jowy Elite League season begins on Sunday, 23 August, with supporters watching closely for the next group of Saudi Arabia Under-21 players capable of emerging as first-team regulars and future Green Falcons.

Last season provided several examples of young players making that progression, with a number of prospects becoming important members of their clubs’ senior squads. Five talents, led by last season’s standout player, will be among the main attractions when the Saudi Under-21 competition returns.

Abdulaziz Jarmoush is the most anticipated player at the start of the campaign. The Al Hilal Under-21 winger was named the Jowy Elite League’s leading player by Kooora last season, despite his side falling short of the title.

Al Hilal reached the semi-finals, having finished second in the league phase, one point behind Al Ettifaq. Jarmoush played a major role in that campaign, scoring six goals in the opening 11 rounds while also creating chances and providing assists.

The 20-year-old impressed with his dribbling, technical ability and powerful shooting from distance. His contribution was not limited to attacking, however, as his physical strength allowed him to make a significant defensive impact. Those qualities led to comparisons with Al Hilal’s current captain, Salem Al-Dawsari.

Jarmoush’s form also earned him a place in the first team’s squad for their training camp in Austria, where he was given an opportunity by Italian manager Simone Inzaghi. If he is not selected regularly for the senior side, he could return to the Under-21 team for their meeting with Al Faisaly on Monday at Al Majma’ah Sports City Stadium, under coach Mohammad Al-Shalhoub.

On the same day, Al Ittihad travel to Damac at the latter’s stadium in Khamis Mushait, with fans eager to see striker Ammar Al-Ghamdi back in action.

Al-Ghamdi was Al Ittihad’s outstanding performer in last season’s Jowy Elite League and one of the competition’s most prolific players, scoring 14 goals. Al Ittihad were eliminated by Al Hilal in the quarter-finals, but Al-Ghamdi scored both of his side’s goals across the tie: in a 2-1 first-leg defeat and a 1-1 draw in the return match.

The 21-year-old demonstrated an ability to finish in a variety of ways, including one-on-one situations, headers and fierce efforts from outside the penalty area. His performances led to several promotions to Al Ittihad’s first-team squad under former Portuguese manager Sergio Conceicao. He will hope for similar opportunities under German coach Jens Wissing.

The following day, attention will turn to another player called Ammar, as winger Ammar Al-Yahibi leads Al Qadsiah against Al Khaleej at Prince Saud bin Jalawi Sports City Stadium in Khobar.

Al-Yahibi was one of last season’s most effective players, first with Al Ahli during the opening half of the campaign and later with Al Qadsiah after his contract ended. His versatility was a major asset, with the 20-year-old able to operate on either wing while combining pace with individual skill.

He helped Al Qadsiah reach the semi-finals, where they lost to Al Fateh, contributing goals, assists and the individual moments of quality that created solutions in the final third. Al-Yahibi formed a potent attacking trio with Ammar Al-Hajouj and Iyad Hosa, a combination Al Qadsiah supporters will hope to see again this season.

Al Qadsiah’s prospects also include goalkeeper Abdullah Al-Muhaysin, who was named the best goalkeeper in last season’s competition. The 19-year-old stood out for his quick reactions, command of aerial balls and confidence in one-on-one situations.

He also displayed the qualities expected of a modern goalkeeper, particularly his ability with the ball at his feet and his role in building attacks from the back. Supporters will be watching his development closely, from the Al Qadsiah goal in the Jowy Elite League to a possible future role with the Saudi Arabia national team.

Defending champions Al Hazem begin their title defence against Al Jabalain on Sunday at Prince Abdulaziz bin Musaed bin Jalawi Stadium in Ha’il.

Al Hazem’s success last season was built around several young players, including Fayez Hosaawi, Yousef Al-Shammari, Omar Al-Hattami and Abdulhadi Al-Harajin. The decisive figure in the final, though, was Hassan Idris.

The 20-year-old was named player of the match after scoring twice in Al Hazem’s 3-1 victory over Al Fateh. His performance showed both his character and his willingness to take responsibility in major matches, producing his best display of the season when the stakes were highest.

Al Hazem will hope Idris can maintain that level throughout the new campaign and help them challenge for another set of positive results and potentially a return to the trophy.