Saudi football fans will have their first chance to watch a new generation of emerging talent when the Jowy Elite League, Saudi Arabia’s under-21 competition, begins on Sunday, 23 August.
The new campaign is expected to provide another platform for players who could become important figures for their clubs’ first teams and, potentially, future members of the Saudi Arabia national team. Last season produced several young players who went on to establish themselves within their senior sides, and similar breakthroughs are anticipated this time around.
Among the leading names to watch is Abdulaziz Jarmoush, the Al Hilal Under-21 winger who was selected by Kooora as the outstanding player of last season’s competition.
Although Al Hilal did not win the title and were eliminated in the semi-finals, Jarmoush played a major part in their strong league-stage campaign. They finished second, one point behind Al-Ettifaq, before reaching the last four.
Jarmoush scored six goals in the opening 11 rounds and regularly created chances for teammates. His pace, dribbling ability and powerful shooting from outside the penalty area made him one of the competition’s most dangerous attacking players.
The 20-year-old also contributed defensively, using his physical strength to support his team without the ball. His style has led to comparisons with Al Hilal captain Salem Al-Dawsari.
Those performances earned Jarmoush a place in Simone Inzaghi’s senior Al Hilal squad for their training camp in Austria, where he was given an opportunity to feature. However, if he is not selected regularly by the first team, he could return to Mohamed Al-Shalhoub’s Under-21 side for their meeting with Al-Faisaly on Monday at Al Majma’ah Sports City Stadium.
The same day, Al-Ittihad will travel to Damac at their opponents’ stadium in Khamis Mushait, with attention focused on the possible return of striker Ammar Al-Ghamdi.
Al-Ghamdi was Al-Ittihad’s leading player in last season’s Jowy Elite League and one of the competition’s most productive forwards, scoring 14 goals. Al-Ittihad were knocked out by Al Hilal in the quarter-finals, but Al-Ghamdi scored both of their goals across the tie, finding the net in the 2-1 first-leg defeat before scoring again in the 1-1 second-leg draw.
The 21-year-old demonstrated an ability to finish in a variety of ways, including one-on-one situations, headers and long-range efforts. His displays led to several promotions to Al-Ittihad’s senior squad under former manager Sergio Conceicao, and he will hope to receive similar opportunities under German coach Jens Vissing.
The following day, Al-Qadsiah winger Ammar Al-Yuhaibi will be one of the main attractions when his side face Al-Khaleej at Prince Saud bin Jalawi Sports City Stadium in Al Khobar.
Al-Yuhaibi impressed for both Al-Qadsiah and Al-Ahli last season, having represented Al-Ahli during the first half of the campaign before leaving after his contract expired. His ability to operate on either wing, combined with his speed and individual skill, made him a valuable attacking option.
He played a central role in Al-Qadsiah’s run to the semi-finals, contributing goals and assists while also using his creativity to open up defences in the final third. The 20-year-old formed a potent attacking trio with Ammar Al-Hajouj and Eyad Housa, a combination Al-Qadsiah supporters will hope to see again this season.
Al-Qadsiah’s prospects will also depend on goalkeeper Abdullah Al-Mohesen. The 19-year-old was named the best goalkeeper in last season’s Jowy Elite League after a series of impressive performances.
Al-Mohesen stood out for his quick reactions, command of aerial balls and confidence when coming off his line in one-on-one situations. He also showed a modern goalkeeper’s ability to use his feet and begin attacks from the back.
Fans will now be watching his development closely, beginning with his performances for Al-Qadsiah in the Under-21 competition and potentially leading to a future role in the Saudi Arabia national team.
Defending champions Al-Hazem will open their title defence against Al-Jabalain on Sunday at Prince Abdulaziz bin Musaed bin Jalawi Stadium in Ha’il.
Their success last season was built around several promising players, including Faiz Housawi, 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. His performance underlined his confidence and willingness to take responsibility in major games, producing his best display of the campaign at the most important stage.
Al-Hazem will hope Idris can maintain that level throughout the new season as they pursue another successful campaign and, potentially, a return to the trophy.
The Jowy Elite League is available to watch on stc tv.
