Soccer: In the Saudi Pro League, Gomis races for the golden shoe

Although he currently sits second in the standings four points behind his Moroccan counterpart, Bafétimbi Gomis does not expect to be defeated so easily. Not only because the magic of sport makes any scenario possible in a single match. But also because there are still three matches left. Nothing is played in this long-distance fight between two of the most prolific strikers in the region.

 

 

Two noticed arrivals

Both men joined their respective clubs in 2018 and soon won the Saudi championship. At 35, Gomis came from one of Turkey’s biggest clubs, Galatasaray, at the end of a crazy season that saw him score 29 goals in 34 games and win the national title. As for Hamdallah, 5 years younger than him, he also hit the big time with a full season and 28 goals in 30 games with his Qatari club Al-Rayyan.

 

A competition on two scales

Today, the two men are “pulling each other’s backs” according to the term, with an unquestionable lead to give to the Moroccan (42 goals in total for Gomis against 59 for Hamdallah). A struggle that reflects that, on a larger scale, of their respective clubs – Al-Hilal for the French, Al-Nasser for the Moroccan – which turns for the moment in favor of the first, Al-Hilal, who caracolles in the lead 6 lengths from his opponent.

 

 

One for all, all for one

If it is indeed Hamdallah who seems to be best placed to once again finish top scorer in the championship, Gomis can already take solace in the fact that he is in a better position to win the Saudi Arabian championship title. And while personal rewards are always rewarding and significant for often outstanding performances, soccer remains a team sport and, as such, the titles won by the teams are the most important.

In any case, all these twists and turns make the Saudi Pro League a must-attend soccer event in the Middle East and Asia region, which is increasingly being watched as talent comes to strengthen the ranks of the rapidly growing local clubs.