Saudi football fans will have five highly rated young players to watch when the new Jowy Elite League season begins on Sunday, 23 August, with several prospects hoping to follow last season’s emerging stars into their clubs’ senior teams and eventually the Saudi Arabia national team.
The Saudi U21 competition produced a number of notable performers last season, many of whom became important parts of their first-team squads. That trend is expected to continue, with the opening round offering an early opportunity to assess some of the league’s leading young talents.
Abdulaziz Jarmoush is the standout name attracting attention. The Al Hilal winger was chosen by Kooora as the best player in last season’s Jowy Elite League, despite his side reaching only the semi-finals.
Al Hilal finished second in the league phase, one point behind Al Ettifaq, before progressing to the last four. Jarmoush played a major role in that campaign, scoring six goals in the opening 11 rounds while also creating chances and contributing assists.
The 20-year-old’s direct running, dribbling ability and powerful shooting from outside the penalty area made him one of the competition’s most dangerous attacking players. He also showed a willingness to contribute defensively, using his physical strength to help his team without the ball.
Those performances earned Jarmoush a place in Al Hilal’s senior squad for their training camp in Austria, where he was given an opportunity by Italian head coach Simone Inzaghi. However, with the winger not yet established as a regular starter for the first team, Mohamed Al-Shalhoub could call on him when Al Hilal’s Under-21 side face Al Faisaly on Monday at Al Majma’ah Sports City Stadium.
On the same day, Al Ittihad travel to Damac in Khamis Mushait, where supporters will be hoping to see the return of striker Ammar Al-Ghamdi.
Al-Ghamdi was Al Ittihad’s leading player in last season’s competition and one of the Jowy Elite League’s most prolific forwards, scoring 14 goals. Although Al Ittihad were eliminated by Al Hilal in the quarter-finals, Al-Ghamdi scored both of his team’s goals in the tie: a brace in a 2-1 first-leg defeat followed by the equaliser in a 1-1 second-leg draw.
The 21-year-old displayed a broad scoring repertoire, finding the net from one-on-one situations, headers and long-range efforts. His form led to several promotions to Al Ittihad’s first-team squad under former Portuguese manager Sergio Conceicao, and he will hope to receive similar opportunities under German coach Jens Wissing.
The following day brings another promising Ammar into focus, with winger Ammar Al-Yahibi expected to feature for Al Qadsiah against Al Khaleej at Prince Saud bin Jalawi Sports City Stadium in Al Khobar.
Al-Yahibi impressed during the previous season with both Al Ahli, whom he represented in the first half of the campaign, and Al Qadsiah, whom he joined after his contract with Al Ahli ended. His versatility was one of his key strengths, as he could operate on either flank while using his pace and individual skill to beat defenders.
The 20-year-old helped Al Qadsiah reach the semi-finals, where they lost to Al Fateh. His contribution came through goals, assists and moments of individual quality that created solutions in the final third. He formed a potent attacking trio with Ammar Al-Hajouj and Eyad Housa, a partnership Al Qadsiah supporters will hope to see again this season.
Al-Qadsiah’s squad also features one of last season’s most impressive goalkeepers, Abdullah Al-Muhaisin. The 19-year-old won the Jowy Elite League’s best goalkeeper award after playing a significant role in the team’s campaign.
Al-Muhaisin stood out for his quick reactions, handling of aerial balls and confidence when coming off his line in one-on-one situations. He also demonstrated a modern goalkeeper’s ability to use his feet and help build attacks from the back.
Given his age, supporters will be watching his development closely, beginning with his performances in Al Qadsiah’s goal and potentially leading to a future role as Saudi Arabia’s first-choice goalkeeper.
The defending champions, Al Hazem, begin their title defence against Al Jabalain on Sunday at Prince Abdulaziz bin Musaed bin Jalawi Stadium in Ha’il.
Al Hazem’s championship success last season was built on the contributions of several young players, including Fayez Houssawi, Yousef Al-Shammari, Omar Al-Hattami and Abdulhadi Al-Harajin. However, Hassan Idris was the decisive figure in the final.
The 20-year-old scored twice in Al Hazem’s 3-1 victory over Al Fateh and was named player of the match. He showed a strong character and composure in the biggest game of the season, producing his best performance at the most important stage.
Al Hazem will now hope Idris can maintain that level throughout the campaign as they target another successful season and, potentially, a return to the top of the competition. Saudi Jowy League matches are available to watch on stc tv.
