Yasser Al-Qahtani explains Abdullah Al-Hamdan’s improved form at Al Nassr

Yasser Al-Qahtani says Abdullah Al-Hamdan has flourished at Al Nassr because he has been given greater trust, more regular opportunities and a settled position than during his time with Al Hilal.

The Saudi football great was discussing why the striker’s performances have improved since leaving Al Hilal when former Al Nassr goalkeeper Abdullah Al-Enazi offered his view on Thmanyah channels.

“I believe Abdullah Al-Hamdan has found himself at Al Nassr more than at any other club,” Al-Enazi said. “That is not intended as a criticism, but perhaps experience, frequent appearances and the group around him have played a part.”

Al-Qahtani agreed that confidence had been central to the forward’s development, but suggested the support he has received at Al Nassr had also made a significant difference.

“It may be because the manager has greater confidence in him, has given him more opportunities to play, and because the supporters have given him confidence and backing,” Al-Qahtani said.

He also highlighted the importance of the position in which Al-Hamdan has been used.

“Another difference is that he has stayed in his position at Al Nassr,” Al-Qahtani added. “At Al Hilal, he moved from one position to another until he became lost on the pitch.”

That interpretation was challenged by former Al-Ittihad player Manaf Abu Shaqir, who pointed to a match in which Al-Hamdan impressed while playing away from his usual role.

“One of the matches in which I liked Al-Hamdan was Saudi Arabia’s game against China, when he played as a left winger,” Abu Shaqir said.

“It is true that he has found his place at Al Nassr, but he can still be used on the flank. That is what happens with Firas Al-Buraikan at Al Ahli, and it is also how Yasser Al-Qahtani himself used to play.”

Al-Hamdan joined Al Nassr during the most recent winter transfer window after terminating his contract with his former club, Al Hilal. Since making the move, he has produced what the article describes as his best level of performance.

The Saudi striker has scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 35 matches for Al Nassr. Before that, he recorded 13 goals and 10 assists across 145 appearances for Al Hilal.

The contrasting figures formed the basis of the discussion surrounding whether Al-Hamdan’s improvement was primarily the result of greater consistency in selection, increased confidence from his manager and supporters, or the role in which he has been deployed.