Yasser Al-Qahtani - the New Amr Zaki?

October 29, 2008

Not that they’re the same player. They’re not even from the same confederation. But here’s what Yasser Al-Qahtani has in common with Amr Zaki: both have crazy good international goalscoring records. Zaki’s is an impressive 29 goals in 44 games for Egypt, while Al-Qahtani’s strike rate with Saudi Arabia is currently a ridiculous 46 goals in 55 appearances.

And before Zaki, Middle Eastern players with great strike rates were still treated with suspicion. Basically no one thought those numbers would translate into the Premier League. But that was before Zaki.

Now Saudi Arabia captain Al-Qahtani is rumoured to be following Zaki’s path to the Premier League. Possibly even to Wigan.

“I am quite eager and anxious to join a European league. I think it is the dream of every player to play at the top level to improve his skills

“I like the idea of playing with Amr Zaki and I hope that a deal can happen, I am open to a move. If there is a good contract, then there is no problem

‘My ultimate ambition is to play in the Premier League.”

That’s what Al-Qahtani said at the launch of his “The Face of Gillette in the Middle East” campaign. Can you imagine his worth to sponsors if he starts banging in Premier League goals.

Here’s footage of Al-Qahtani in action for Saudi Arabia and Al-Hilal (with a very dramatic intro) spotted on 101 Great Goals Video Evidence series. .