Tarek Dhiab identifies En-Nesyri’s role in Aouar’s Al-Ittihad difficulties

Tunisian football great Tarek Dhiab says Youssef En-Nesyri’s lack of movement is limiting the influence of Houssem Aouar at Al-Ittihad.

The comments came after Al-Ittihad were held to a goalless draw by Al-Fateh in the fourth round of the Roshn Saudi League on Saturday.

Aouar started for Al-Ittihad but again failed to produce the level of performance expected since his arrival at the club. The Algeria international has continued to struggle to make a decisive impact, with the draw extending concerns over his early form for the Saudi side.

Dhiab, speaking as an analyst on Thmanyah, argued that Aouar should be deployed closer to the opposition goal. In his view, the midfielder would be better suited to a role positioned between a conventional number 10 and a centre-forward – what he described as a “number 9.5” position.

That role, Dhiab believes, would allow Aouar to make better use of his ability to move between the lines, create chances and arrive near the penalty area. He suggested that using the Algeria international deeper or in areas further from goal reduces the attacking qualities he can offer.

However, Dhiab also said Aouar’s effectiveness in that position depends on the presence of a mobile striker ahead of him. He does not believe that condition is being met sufficiently by En-Nesyri, who has yet to produce the performances expected of him since joining Al-Ittihad.

The Moroccan striker has also not fully adapted to Al-Ittihad’s system, according to Dhiab. That lack of understanding is having a direct effect on Aouar because the movement of the main striker, and the spaces created by it, are central to unlocking the midfielder’s strengths.

When those spaces are not available, Aouar is left operating away from the areas where he can have the greatest influence. Dhiab therefore believes the Algeria international should not be held solely responsible for his below-par displays.

Instead, the former Tunisia star said Al-Ittihad need to find the right tactical role for Aouar and ensure his duties are connected to the movements of the striker. Improving the relationship between Aouar and En-Nesyri could, in his assessment, help restore the midfielder to the level expected by Al-Ittihad supporters.

It could also provide the team with more effective attacking options in their upcoming matches.

“By playing En-Nesyri, you lose part of Houssem Aouar’s strength, because Aouar is at his best when he plays behind the centre-forward,” Dhiab said.

Aouar’s appearance against Al-Fateh came in another match in which Al-Ittihad were unable to find a goal. The goalless draw left the club still waiting for a more productive attacking partnership between the Algerian playmaker and En-Nesyri, while Dhiab’s assessment placed particular emphasis on how the Moroccan’s movement could shape Aouar’s contribution.