Al-Raed Midfielders 2024/25
Football is a game of strategy, skill, and teamwork, and at the heart of any successful team lies a dynamic midfield. For Al-Raed, the 2024/25 season promises to be an exciting one, with a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents in the center of the park. The midfielders at Al-Raed are not just players; they are the engine room, the creative hub, and the defensive shield that dictates the tempo of the game. This post delves into the current midfield roster of Al-Raed, providing an in-depth look at each player’s background, strengths, and contributions to the team.
1. Mohammed Fouzair
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Transfer Fee: Academy Graduate
Former Clubs: N/A
Mohammed Fouzair is a homegrown talent who has risen through the ranks of Al-Raed’s youth system. Known for his composure on the ball and ability to read the game, Fouzair has become a vital cog in the team’s midfield. His versatility allows him to play as a deep-lying playmaker or a box-to-box midfielder, making him indispensable to the squad. Fouzair’s vision and passing accuracy are among his standout attributes, often unlocking defenses with incisive through balls. Despite his young age, he exudes maturity on the pitch, earning the respect of teammates and opponents alike. His commitment to the club and consistent performances have made him a fan favorite.
2. Amir Sayoud
Nationality: Algerian
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million
Former Clubs: Al Ahly (Egypt), CR Belouizdad (Algeria).
Amir Sayoud is a seasoned professional whose technical prowess and creativity have added a new dimension to Al-Raed’s midfield. The Algerian international joined the club in 2022 and has since been a key figure in their attacking transitions. Sayoud’s dribbling skills and ability to retain possession under pressure make him a nightmare for defenders. His experience in top African leagues, including stints with Al Ahly and CR Belouizdad, has honed his ability to perform in high-stakes matches. Sayoud’s set-piece expertise and eye for goal from distance further enhance his value to the team. His leadership qualities and work ethic have also made him a role model for younger players.
3. Julio Tavares
Nationality: Cape Verdean
Transfer Fee: Free Transfer
Former Clubs: Al-Faisaly (Saudi Arabia), Dijon (France).
Julio Tavares is a versatile midfielder who brings a wealth of experience to Al-Raed. The Cape Verdean international, known for his physicality and aerial ability, has seamlessly adapted to the demands of Saudi football. Tavares’ journey from French Ligue 1 to the Saudi Pro League has been marked by consistent performances and a knack for scoring crucial goals. His ability to play in multiple positions, including central midfield and attacking midfield, provides the coach with tactical flexibility. Tavares’ leadership on and off the pitch has been instrumental in guiding the team through challenging moments. His free transfer to Al-Raed has proven to be a masterstroke, as he continues to deliver match-winning performances.
4. Sultan Mandash
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Transfer Fee: €500,000
Former Clubs: Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia), Al-Fateh (Saudi Arabia).
Sultan Mandash is a dynamic midfielder whose energy and tenacity have made him a fan favorite at Al-Raed. The Saudi Arabian international joined the club from Al-Nassr, where he showcased his ability to dominate the midfield with his relentless pressing and ball-winning capabilities. Mandash’s work rate is second to none, often covering every blade of grass to support both defense and attack. His ability to break up opposition play and initiate counter-attacks has been crucial to Al-Raed’s tactical setup. Mandash’s passion for the game and commitment to the team’s cause have endeared him to supporters, making him a key player in the squad.
5. Karim El Berkaoui
Nationality: Moroccan
Transfer Fee: €2 million
Former Clubs: Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), Al-Taawoun (Saudi Arabia).
Karim El Berkaoui is a technically gifted midfielder whose flair and creativity have added a new dimension to Al-Raed’s play. The Moroccan international joined the club from Wydad Casablanca, where he established himself as one of the most exciting talents in African football. El Berkaoui’s close control and ability to glide past defenders make him a constant threat in the final third. His vision and passing range allow him to dictate the tempo of the game, often creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. El Berkaoui’s adaptability and willingness to track back defensively have made him a complete midfielder. His arrival at Al-Raed has elevated the team’s attacking potential, and he continues to be a standout performer.
6. Ayman Al-Khulaif
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Transfer Fee: Academy Graduate
Former Clubs: N/A
Ayman Al-Khulaif is another product of Al-Raed’s esteemed youth academy, embodying the club’s commitment to nurturing local talent. The young midfielder has quickly established himself as a reliable option in the center of the park, thanks to his tactical intelligence and ability to maintain possession under pressure. Al-Khulaif’s passing accuracy and ability to link play between defense and attack have drawn comparisons to some of the league’s best midfielders. Despite his relatively young age, he has shown remarkable composure and maturity, often outperforming more experienced opponents. Al-Khulaif’s dedication to improving his game and his passion for the club make him a player to watch in the coming seasons.
7. Júlio César
Nationality: Brazilian
Transfer Fee: €1.8 million
Former Clubs: Fluminense (Brazil), Al-Hazem (Saudi Arabia).
Júlio César is a Brazilian midfielder whose technical skills and creativity have added flair to Al-Raed’s midfield. The former Fluminense player joined the club from Al-Hazem, where he showcased his ability to control the game’s tempo and create scoring opportunities. César’s dribbling ability and close control make him a constant threat in one-on-one situations, while his vision and passing range allow him to unlock even the most organized defenses. His experience in both Brazilian and Saudi football has given him a unique perspective on the game, making him a valuable asset to the team. César’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations has been crucial to Al-Raed’s success.
8. Nawaf Al-Habashi
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Transfer Fee: €300,000
Former Clubs: Al-Ettifaq (Saudi Arabia), Al-Adalah (Saudi Arabia).
Nawaf Al-Habashi is a hardworking midfielder whose tireless energy and defensive discipline have made him a key player for Al-Raed. The Saudi Arabian international joined the club from Al-Ettifaq, where he developed a reputation for his ability to break up opposition play and shield the defense. Al-Habashi’s positional awareness and tackling ability make him a reliable presence in front of the backline. His ability to distribute the ball efficiently and initiate attacks from deep has added a new dimension to Al-Raed’s play. Al-Habashi’s commitment to the team and his willingness to put in the hard yards have made him a fan favorite.
9. Muhammed Al-Qarni
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Transfer Fee: Academy Graduate
Former Clubs: N/A
Muhammed Al-Qarni is a promising young midfielder who has emerged as one of Al-Raed’s brightest prospects. The academy graduate has quickly made a name for himself with his technical ability and tactical intelligence. Al-Qarni’s ability to read the game and make intelligent runs into the box has made him a constant threat in the final third. His passing accuracy and ability to maintain possession under pressure have drawn praise from coaches and teammates alike. Despite his young age, Al-Qarni has shown remarkable maturity and composure, often outperforming more experienced opponents. His dedication to improving his game and his passion for the club make him a player to watch in the coming seasons.
10. Abdullah Al-Salem
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Transfer Fee: €400,000
Former Clubs: Al-Fayha (Saudi Arabia), Al-Qadsiah (Saudi Arabia).
Abdullah Al-Salem is a versatile midfielder whose ability to play in multiple positions has made him a valuable asset to Al-Raed. The Saudi Arabian international joined the club from Al-Fayha, where he showcased his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. Al-Salem’s work rate and ability to cover ground quickly make him a constant presence in the midfield. His passing accuracy and ability to link play between defense and attack have been crucial to Al-Raed’s tactical setup. Al-Salem’s commitment to the team and his willingness to put in the hard yards have made him a fan favorite.
Conclusion
Al-Raed’s midfield for the 2024/25 season is a blend of youth and experience, creativity and grit, and local talent and international flair. Each player brings unique qualities to the table, contributing to a well-rounded and dynamic unit capable of competing at the highest level. From the homegrown talents like Mohammed Fouzair and Ayman Al-Khulaif to the seasoned professionals like Amir Sayoud and Julio Tavares, Al-Raed’s midfield is poised to be the driving force behind the team’s success this season. As the campaign unfolds, these midfield maestros will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the club’s fortunes, thrilling fans with their skill, passion, and determination.
