Michael Olunga could be a major beneficiary of Hakim Ziyech’s playmaking as Al Duhail aims to reclaim the league title.
Al Duhail striker and Kenyan international Michael Olunga has warmly welcomed former Chelsea and Galatasaray winger Hakim Ziyech to the Qatari champions following the completion of his transfer.
The club officially announced the signing, confirming that the Moroccan international had joined from the Turkish top-flight after a one-year stint with Galatasaray.
“We are delighted to have Hakim Ziyech join the family. His vast experience and winning mentality will undoubtedly elevate our squad to new heights,” read a statement from the club’s management.
The Harambee Stars captain also took to social media to formally welcome Ziyech, posting a simple but heartfelt message, writing, “Welcome Hakim.”
Olunga is expected to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of Ziyech’s arrival, given the Moroccan’s exceptional playmaking abilities. As Al Duhail’s main attacking force, the Kenyan forward will likely thrive on Ziyech’s creativity and precise deliveries.
During his time with Galatasaray, Ziyech featured in 25 matches across all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing four assists last season. This season, before his move to Al Duhail, he had already recorded two goals and two assists in 11 appearances for the Turkish champions.
Olunga, who has been in remarkable form with 11 goals in just eight league matches, will look to capitalize on the former Ajax star’s vision and technical prowess to bolster his goal tally.
His contributions will be crucial as Al Duhail, currently leading the league with 29 points after 13 matches, aims to secure another league title. The Qatari giants will be keen to reclaim the championship from last season’s winners, Al-Sadd, and the addition of a high-caliber player like Ziyech could be a game-changer in their title pursuit.
With Olunga leading the attack and Ziyech orchestrating plays from the midfield and wings, Al Duhail’s offensive capabilities have been significantly enhanced. The synergy between the two players could prove decisive in the club’s ambitions, providing an attacking edge that could be difficult for opponents to contain.
Ziyech’s move to Qatar also signifies a new chapter in his career after his previous spells in the Premier League and Turkish Süper Lig. At Chelsea, he struggled for consistency but displayed moments of brilliance, particularly in the club’s Champions League-winning campaign in 2021. A fresh start at Al Duhail offers him the opportunity to rediscover his best form while playing a crucial role in the team’s success.
Meanwhile, Olunga continues to shine as one of the most prolific strikers in Asian football. His goal-scoring prowess has made him a key figure in Al Duhail’s attack, and with Ziyech now supplying him with quality service, his impact is expected to grow even further.
Beyond their club ambitions, the partnership between Olunga and Ziyech could also elevate the reputation of the Qatari Stars League. With an increasing number of high-profile players making their way to the league, the competition continues to grow in stature, attracting more attention from global football fans.
As Al Duhail prepares for the second half of the season, the team will look to integrate Ziyech into their system as quickly as possible. His ability to create chances, take on defenders, and deliver precise crosses will add another dimension to their attack.
For Olunga, the arrival of a player of Ziyech’s caliber presents an exciting opportunity to further showcase his goal-scoring ability. His positioning, movement, and finishing skills combined with Ziyech’s playmaking could create one of the most formidable attacking duos in the league.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Ziyech adapts to his new environment and how his presence influences Al Duhail’s title chase. With both players determined to make a mark, the club’s ambitions of reclaiming the league title are well within reach.
