As ever when the nominees are released for the end-of-season Arabian Gulf League Awards, the names that are not on there are just as enlightening as those that made the shortlists.
– Pro League Committee announces shortlist for AGL Awards
– Honours even for Al Ain and Al Wahda in AGL draw
– Dalic says title success will not affect Al Ain’s intensity
Al Ahli dominated last year’s ceremony in Abu Dhabi just as they did on the football pitch.
Their Arabian Gulf League, Arabian Gulf Super Cup and Arabian Gulf Cup treble was reflected in Grafite and Ismail Al Hammadi’s successes as the Foreign Player of the Year and Emirati Player of the Year.
This time the latter is the only Red Knight found in the 27 stars up for the premier individual prizes, reflecting the degradation caused by their drop to distant fifth in the top flight and their sole Super Cup victory.
For 2014/15, purple is the colour. Newly-crowned champions Al Ain boast the higher number of candidates with five on the afforementioned lists, coach Zlatko Dalic and goalkeeper Khalid Essa also set to triumph in their sections.
Champions, Mabrook Ainawi!!! pic.twitter.com/VUpmOPCD6F
— Zlatko Dalic (@DalicZlatko) April 17, 2015
Yet the Boss are more than likely to be denied the glamorous Emirati and Foreign Player prizes when the 14 AGL clubs and local media representatives cast their ballots.
UAE centre-back Mohanad Salem has been a talisman for them, also arguably the finest defender at January’s Asian Cup.
But a sizable weight stands behind international team-mate and Al Jazira front man Ali Mabkhout.
The 24-year-old’s development has been incredible this term, scoring 14 goals from a wide-forward position and top scoring at the Asian Cup and Gulf Cup for the Whites.
He has blossomed since the summer arrival of 25-goal leading marksman Mirko Vucinic from Juventus, the Montenegro striker’s unbelievable debut campaign surely setting him on course to be awarded the Foreign Player title.
The Pride of Abu Dhabi are currently eight points behind Al Ain, battling Al Shabab and Al Wahda for second while rumours swirl about coach Eric Gerets’ job security.
That Al Ain could have a quiet night at their expense when the AGL Awards ceremony takes place, at a date yet to be confirmed, is illustrative of the team effort that has put the former on top.
Three-time successive top scorer Asamoah Gyan and resident superstar Omar Abdulrahman – both absent from this season’s Awards – have started together only four times because of consistent injury problems, although the effect of their absences have been negated by sound management.
Traditionally, the Foreign Player and Emirati Player sections garner the most interest.
This time around, Dalic’s role in dealing with the regular loss of his two star players and the draining effect of AFC Champions League participation, unlike closest rivals Jazira, should receive superior acclaim.
A visionary summer injection of youth, pace and aggression through Stoch and defensive midfielder Lee Myung-joo – a staggering omission for Foreign Player – set a perfect platform to compete on all fronts.
Step by step pic.twitter.com/938a69gBSU
— Zlatko Dalic (@DalicZlatko) April 23, 2015
Any failure to find solutions to the necessary squad rotation and different tactical plans to combat opposition without your biggest weapons would have seen the club finish the campaign potless.
Dalic refreshed a stale side that was an unflattering sixth when he arrived in March 2014.
His triumphant 2014/15 should see this coach, who always stresses the collective, embrace his time in the spotlight when the great and good of UAE football celebrate the elite amongst them.
