Sparky’s Column

Move on Up

The transfer that has created the most waves this year is not a big name overseas star or even one of the Emirati Olympic squad making a move to Europe but a home grown free transfer. Majed Nasser's move from Al Wasl to Al Ahli is one that raised more than a few eyebrows. The stopper has had his fair share of problems in the past the most recent involving his new club Al Ahli but this could be a turning point in his career. The reaction on twitter was instant varying from disbelief to speculating as to what he was worth in the current transfer market. The general consensus was that Al Ahli have themselves a player of real quality that could make a huge difference once he has served his various bans. 

You expect one or two teams to start the season on fire and go on a winning streak. This year though it has only taken two games and the 100% winning streaks are over. The side happiest with their start will be Dubai club, in previous seasons it was taken them as long as nine games to secure a win. The Al Awir based club will be more confident than ever they will not be involved in a relegation scramble. The newly expanded league should work to their advantage come the end of the campaign. 

The Australian influx continues in the Etisalat Pro League with the addition of Alex Brosque for Al Ain. Socceroo imports tend to provide teams with a certain teams characteristics that are vital for any successful side. The work ethic is second to none and they provide a steel to sides with the physical presence. Brosque comes direct from Australia rather than the European route that Bresciano or Neil took but he comes highly rated and as an Australian international he should shine for the Champions. 

The stand out games of this coming weekend are the all Dubai affairs with Al Nasr versus Al Shabab and Al Wasl versus Al Ahli. A win for Al Nasr and Al Wasl could see them top the embryonic Pro League and stamp their championship credentials on the competition. The league itself is so tight and one fact worth noting is that in the first time in a number of years that every coach is still in place two games into the season. I wonder if the weekend will a shakedown and if the coaches are all on the touchline this time next week.