Rakan Al-Ghamdi gives Al Nassr a rare bright moment in defeat by Al Ain

Rakan Al-Ghamdi emerged as an unexpected positive for Al Nassr during a difficult night against Al Ain, producing impressive numbers after being introduced at half-time in one of the team’s toughest matches of the season.

Ange Postecoglou sent the young player on for Saad Al-Nasser at the start of the second half as he tried to reorganise an Al Nassr side that had struggled badly before the interval. Al-Ghamdi had little first-team experience and had not been given many opportunities at senior level, but he made an immediate impact despite the difficult circumstances.

The player was also asked to operate outside his usual role. Al-Ghamdi is primarily an attacking midfielder who can also play on the wing, rather than a natural left-back.

Despite the significant difference in experience between the two players, Al-Ghamdi bettered Al-Nasser in several key statistics. He had 43 touches of the ball compared with 29 for the Al Nassr full-back and completed 21 passes, while Al-Nasser made 14. Al-Ghamdi’s passing accuracy was 81%, compared with 74% for his team-mate.

He also created one scoring opportunity during his appearance, whereas Al-Nasser did not create a chance. Al-Ghamdi made three defensive contributions to Al-Nasser’s two and completed two tackles, compared with one from the starting left-back.

The young player’s individual figures remained strong in other areas. He did not lose possession during his time on the pitch, while Al-Nasser was dispossessed twice. Al-Ghamdi also won 100% of the ground duels he contested, compared with 50% for Al-Nasser.

Al-Ghamdi committed no fouls, while Al-Nasser was penalised once. His brief performance offered Al Nassr a positive individual display on a night when the team was struggling both defensively and in attack against one of the strongest sides in the United Arab Emirates.

The comparison between the two players should be viewed with some caution because they occupy different positions and have different responsibilities. However, Al-Ghamdi’s showing is likely to raise a question within Al Nassr: does the club have a young talent who deserves greater opportunities in the future?

The defeat proved particularly frustrating for Al Nassr supporters, with some describing Cristiano Ronaldo as “pathetic” and calling for Postecoglou to leave. Yet amid the errors and disappointment, Al-Ghamdi provided one of the few encouraging signs to come from the match for the Dawri Jowy League side.