Sami Al-Jaber says Saudi Arabia are missing a clinical striker

Former Saudi Arabia forward Sami Al-Jaber says the national team have a clear shortage of a reliable goalscorer, with the problem exposed during their 1-0 victory over Kuwait in the opening round of Gulf 27.

Saudi Arabia secured a narrow win on Wednesday, but Abdullah Al-Hamdan endured a difficult match as the team’s striker.

Speaking on the Nadina programme, Al-Jaber said: “Saudi Arabia currently lack the lethal striker who can score goals and make the most of chances, unlike in the past.”

He believes the domestic league has forwards of the required standard, but said the leading options are foreign players.

“We currently have top-level strikers in the Saudi league, but they are foreigners, while the local names are not capable of producing the required level,” Al-Jaber added.

Despite his criticism, the former Saudi Arabia international praised the team’s performance and said their victory was the most important outcome from the match.

“The most important thing is that Saudi Arabia won the Kuwait game, in which several stars emerged, such as Hamam Al-Hamami,” he said.

Al-Jaber also highlighted the attitude shown by Saudi Arabia, while acknowledging the defensive approach adopted by Kuwait.

“Saudi Arabia showed a different spirit and were outstanding to the greatest degree, but Kuwait played a very strong defensive match,” he said.

“They clearly respected our team and succeeded in closing down the middle.”

The comments were broadcast by MBC Action on 23 September 2026, after Saudi Arabia began their Gulf 27 campaign with three points.