Hussein Abdulghani challenges Simone Inzaghi’s youth policy over Ali Al-Bulaihi

Hussein Abdulghani has questioned Simone Inzaghi’s decision to overlook experienced defender Ali Al-Bulaihi at Al Hilal, pointing to the ages of Karim Benzema and Kalidou Koulibaly as he challenged the Italian manager’s explanation.

Inzaghi was asked at a news conference on Thursday why Al-Bulaihi, 36, had been left out of his plans. The Al Hilal manager said he wanted to give younger players more opportunities during the new season.

“Al-Bulaihi is currently training, but since there are other young players, I want to rotate,” Inzaghi said.

The defender appears to be outside Inzaghi’s plans for the coming campaign. Reports in the Saudi media have also suggested Al-Bulaihi could leave the club for another Roshn Saudi League side before the summer transfer window closes.

Abdulghani, a former Al Nassr and Al Ahli player, criticised Inzaghi’s reasoning during an appearance on the “Nadina” programme on MBC.

“Is that on the basis that Karim Benzema is 20 years old, and Kalidou Koulibaly is 21?” Abdulghani said.

Benzema is 38, while Senegal international Koulibaly is 35.

Abdulghani also defended Al-Bulaihi’s contribution to Al Hilal and questioned whether Inzaghi genuinely wants the defender to remain at the club.

“Al-Bulaihi has had a wonderful career with Al Hilal and was a key pillar of the team for many years. I believe Inzaghi’s comments are merely words, and the coach does not want the player to continue,” he added.

The former Saudi Arabia international also criticised the reported treatment of Al-Bulaihi, objecting to the idea of leaving him out of group training and making him work individually in an attempt to pressure him into requesting a transfer.

Al-Bulaihi joined Al Hilal from Al Fateh in 2017. During his time with the club, he has helped the Riyadh side win several domestic and Asian trophies.

Al Hilal are due to begin their Roshn Saudi League campaign against Al Faisaly on Friday evening. The match will be the club’s first league fixture of the season, with attention likely to remain on the future of Al-Bulaihi as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.