Hamdallah Changes: From a Controversial Star to a Disciplined Player
Al-Ittihad striker gives up number 9 and penalty kicks to support Benzema
It seems that the personality of Moroccan star Abdelrazak Hamdallah, striker of Al-Ittihad Jeddah, has changed a lot from previous years, as he appeared completely different during the current season with “Al-Ittihad” in all competitions.
Hamdallah led Al-Ittihad to a 2-1 victory over Al-Wahda on Monday, as part of the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League.
The veteran Moroccan star scored a double, reaching goal number 15 to occupy the third place in the top scorers table of the competition during the current season.
Hamdallah was known for his sharp and confrontational personality, which appeared strongly during his time with Al-Nassr, in addition to some minor crises after joining Al-Ittihad.
The issue of number 9 is the first for the Moroccan star this season, which proved a major change in his personality, as the club’s management asked him to give up the number and give it to the veteran French striker Karim Benzema. Despite Hamdallah’s known personality, he surprised everyone and gave up number 9 to Benzema and got 99 naturally.
Hamdallah also gave up taking penalty kicks in the presence of Karim Benzema, who became the first shooter in the Al-Ittihad team. Hamdallah was permanently in charge of this task in the presence of any player, but after Benzema came, he suddenly gave it up.
Despite giving up this task, he succeeded yesterday in scoring from another penalty that Al-Ittihad got, after Benzema wasted the first one.
After Al-Ittihad contracted with Benzema, some of the roles specific to the Moroccan striker changed, represented in sometimes leaving the penalty area or not participating mainly at the beginning of the season.
But despite that, Hamdallah did not object to any coach’s decision, but succeeded in being the team’s first star by scoring 21 goals and making 3 in 25 matches in all competitions.
Hamdallah became the first choice in Al-Ittihad’s attack line for Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo, after scoring 6 goals in the last 5 matches.
Hamdallah continued to surprise everyone, after he asked Al-Ittihad fans to support Karim Benzema due to the bad luck the latter suffered during the Al-Wahda battle. Hamdallah went towards the fans and asked them to cheer for Benzema after constantly pointing to him, which was responded to by the supporters of “Al-Ittihad”. Then Benzema greeted the fans, before hugging the Moroccan star because of this wonderful position.
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