Nasser Al-Shamrani backs Abdullah Al-Hamdan to lead Saudi Arabia’s attack against Kuwait

Former Al Hilal striker Nasser Al-Shamrani has recommended Abdullah Al-Hamdan to start ahead of Firas Al-Buraikan as Saudi Arabia’s central striker against Kuwait in their opening match of Gulf Cup 27 on Wednesday evening.

Saudi Arabia are in a group alongside Kuwait, Oman and Iraq and begin the tournament with a squad containing several attacking options. Head coach Georgios Donis is still assessing the best line-up for the opening fixture, but Al-Shamrani believes Al-Hamdan is currently the most prepared player to lead the attack.

Al-Shamrani, who has extensive experience in the striker’s position, said Donis should select Al-Hamdan from the start rather than Al-Buraikan, who plays for Al Ahli.

“In my opinion, no player in the centre-forward position has reached Abdullah Al-Hamdan’s level of readiness,” Al-Shamrani said on the television programme Dourina Ghair.

“Donis should play him from the start of the match against Kuwait.”

The former Saudi Arabia international’s view is based on Al-Hamdan’s current match readiness and his belief that the forward is best equipped to meet the demands of the tournament opener. A positive start could be significant for Saudi Arabia as they compete on home soil in front of their own supporters.

Al-Shamrani’s preference does not necessarily represent a criticism of Al-Buraikan, who remains one of the leading attacking choices in Donis’ squad. Instead, it reflects the former Al Hilal player’s assessment of which forward is in the best condition at this stage of the competition.

Donis has several alternatives available in attack. In addition to Al-Buraikan and Al-Hamdan, his squad includes Abdullah Al-Salem, Sultan Mandash, Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat and Hmam Al-Hamami.

That range of options gives the Greek coach the opportunity to adjust his selection according to the demands of each match during the tournament. The meeting with Kuwait will provide the first test of how he uses those attacking resources.

Donis must now decide which forward will lead Saudi Arabia’s line in their opening game, with the team aiming to make a strong start to Gulf Cup 27. Al-Shamrani has made his own choice clear, identifying Al-Hamdan as the player he believes is ready to spearhead the Green Falcons’ attack.