Former Liverpool stars Jordan Henderson and Roberto Firmino are facing challenges in the Saudi Pro League, with both players experiencing a difficult weekend in the Gulf State.
Henderson’s Struggle at Al-Ettifaq
Jordan Henderson, once the captain of Liverpool, played for Al-Ettifaq in front of a season-low crowd of just 610 people, highlighting the team’s recent dip in performance.
Despite a strong start to the season, Al-Ettifaq has won only one of their last seven matches, causing them to drop to seventh in the table.
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Low Attendance Raises Concerns
The concerning aspect is not just the team’s performance but also the remarkably low attendance at Al-Ettifaq’s matches, with the recent game against Al-Fayha witnessed by only 610 spectators – fewer than some lower-tier football leagues in England.
Firmino’s Struggles at Al-Ahli
Meanwhile, Roberto Firmino is facing a goal-scoring drought with Al-Ahli. Despite an impressive debut hat-trick, Firmino has failed to score in the subsequent 13 matches.
Recent reports suggest that Al-Ahli may consider moving him on in January to make room for a new overseas signing, as Pro League teams can only register eight foreign players.
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Benching Raises Speculation
Firmino’s recent benching for two consecutive games has sparked speculation about his future with Al-Ahli.
The Brazilian found himself out of the starting lineup against Damac and in the previous match against Al-Riyadh, with Franck Kessie taking over the captaincy.
Newcomers Shine in Firmino’s Absence
With Firmino on the bench, striker Firas Al-Buraikan, a recent addition to Al-Ahli, stepped up, scoring a goal and providing an assist in his first start.
Additionally, substitute Sumaihan Al-Nabit, brought on ahead of Firmino in a previous match, scored Al-Ahli’s second goal against Damac.
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Henderson and Firmino Face challenges
Both Henderson and Firmino are experiencing the challenges of football outside the Premier League, with Henderson contending with team struggles and low attendance, and Firmino facing a goal drought and potential speculation about his future.
The transition from Liverpool has proven to be a testing journey for these former stars in the competitive landscape of the Saudi Pro League.
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