ReDMeN

Liverpool FC Supporters Club

Roberto Firmino’s debut with Al-Ahli leaves fans astonished by ‘Sunday League’ ambiance

by ·

In a viral spectacle that has captured the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide, Roberto Firmino’s debut game for Al-Ahli has become a trending topic, with fans voicing their astonishment at the condition of the playing field.

Following a substantial investment during the summer transfer window, Al-Ahli, a prominent participant in the Saudi Pro League, has assembled an incredibly talented front line that is the envy of footballing giants across the globe.

Recent news revealed the acquisition of Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin, who penned a lucrative three-year contract with the club. This signing finalizes an impressive attacking trio, as Saint-Maximin joins forces with the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Firmino himself.

Al-Ahli, one of the four distinguished Saudi Arabian clubs that came under the ownership of the nation’s Public Investment Fund this season, can also boast about having Edouard Mendy, Chelsea’s celebrated goalkeeper from their triumphant Champions League campaign, among their ranks.

Over the past six months, a noticeable influx of top-tier European talent has made its way to the Saudi Pro League, a trend that includes illustrious names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kante. This influx has garnered heightened interest in the league from audiences across Europe.

In preparation for the forthcoming season, Al-Ahli engaged in a friendly match against newly promoted Bundesliga side Heidenheim, held in Austria over the weekend. The game saw Heidenheim emerge victorious with a 6-2 scoreline.

Firmino took to the field during this friendly encounter, and footage from the match has caused a stir among fans. Observers have been quick to comment on the state of the pitch and the dimensions of the stadium, which serves as the home ground for Austrian second-tier team USV.

One fan humorously remarked, “I’ve played on better pitches during a Sunday morning kickabout,” while another quipped, “Looks like a pitch from a school away match.” A different perspective was shared by yet another supporter: “I’ve visited 10th-tier teams with larger stadiums than this.”

A prevailing sentiment seemed to echo the sentiment that “[Firmino] is playing Sunday League football.”

However, it’s worth noting that once the official season kicks off, Al-Ahli will host their home matches at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium, boasting a capacity of 62,345 spectators—surpassing Anfield’s capacity by a margin of approximately 8,000.

Despite this impressive stadium size, the club registered a relatively modest average attendance of 9,113 during the previous season, as reported by Transfermarkt. With the arrival of a constellation of Europe’s brightest talents, it’s anticipated that these numbers will undergo a significant and favorable transformation.