Asian Cup 2015: Omar Abdulrahman looms as Socceroos biggest threat in semi-final clash
HE has proven to be the Asian Cup’s most entertaining player, now UAE attacker Omar Abdulrahman stands between the Socceroos and a spot in the final.
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HE has proven to be the Asian Cup’s most entertaining player, now UAE attacker Omar Abdulrahman stands between the Socceroos and a spot in the final.
SOCCEROOS TO TARGET ‘LAZY’ ABDULRAHMAN
Dubbed the ‘Emirati Maradona’ with his small stature and bag of tricks, his on-field risk-taking, laconic style and defensive workrate - or lack thereof - very much resemble the Argentina great.
And like Diego, controversy has courted him, though on a far smaller scale.
Saudi Arabian-born and bred, Abdulrahman was at the centre of an eligibility controversy last year, when the Hong Kong FA lodged an appeal, claiming he represented UAE prematurely.
“(He) became a UAE citizen only on September 2008, which makes him ineligible to represent UAE based on the Fifa law, which states clearly that a player has to reside in the country he wishes to represent for not less than five years,’’ the letter read.
“And after the age of 18 years, to be able to change his nationality. Which in this case, the player has not.”
Abdulrahman was cleared and he has gone on to become the UAE’s star.
While Ali Mabkhout and Ahmed Khalil get the scoring kudos, Abdulrahman is either supplying or playing a killer pass moments earlier.
Whether he can go on and become one of world football’s greats probably depends on whether he can crack one of Europe’s big leagues.
Manchester City offered him a four-year deal in 2012, but his work permit application was rejected.
It’s believed then City manager Roberto Mancini tried to sign him when he moved to Turkish side Galatasaray.
But the Al-Ain attacker would probably have to take a pay cut to move to Europe, so would he make the sacrifice and get out of his comfort Abu Dhabi comfort zone, where he is revered.
“I’ve played against Omar a few times, he’s a great player, one of the best on the league,’’ UAE-based Australian Brett Holman said.
“He and Ali Mabkhout are the type of players who could go to Europe and have a crack, but it comes down to his ambitions and goals and how he wants to test himself.
“Technically he’s great and if you see his touches and how calm he is, he’s a star, although he didn’t have great game against Japan.’’
Abdulrahman’s London 2012 performances were lauded, and 11 of that Olympic squad are here in Australia.
Consequently the Al-Abyad (The Whites) have an unbreakable team bond, which was on show as they dug deep to hold off the classy Japan in the quarter-finals.
It’s also evident at their training sessions, where the players appear to have a wonderful repoire and joke around much more than other teams.
Which is why Socceroos players and fans would be foolish writing off the Emirati underdogs.
Profile of a wizard
Omar Abdulrahman
Club: Al-Ain (Abu Dhabi)
Position: Attacker
Age: 23
UAE STATS
30 games, 5 goals
HONOURS
2013 Gulf Cup MVP
2013 Gulf Cup title
2013, 2013 UAE league titles
2009, 2012 UAE Super Cups
2009, 2014 UAE Super Cups
SPONSORS
Nike
Etisalat (telecommunications)
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