Eduard Spertsyan: Armenia captain perfect puzzle piece for new-look Al Ahli | OneFootball

Al Ahli have turned to Armenia captain Eduard Spertsyan to quicken their push from Roshn Saudi League contenders to champions. The Krasnodar playmaker promises creativity and goals, lightening Ivan Toney’s load.

According to spl.com.sa, he arrives as Franck Kessie and Riyad Mahrez depart after back-to-back continental crowns. He will play higher than Kessie, as a natural No.10, the role he starred in during Krasnodar’s 2024-25 title.

Across the past four seasons he hit 10 or more, twice also adding 10-plus assists. Last term he posted 13 goals and 16 assists, first for assists, second for goals behind teammate Jhon Cordoba, and top for goal contributions.

He lacks Kessie’s name recognition only because his career has been entirely in Russia. Barcelona, Leeds United, Ajax and Marseille were linked, yet he stayed to deliver silverware, later saying the extra season was right and the title a huge joy.

Matthias Jaissle’s side leaned heavily on Toney last season. He scored 32, yet Al Ahli’s 71 were the fewest among the top four, behind Al Nassr on 91, Al Hilal on 85 and Al Qadsiah on 83. Toney supplied 45 percent of the total, with Feras Al Buraikan next on five.

Spertsyan adds another route to goal and the craft to create. That blend could be the missing puzzle piece Al Ahli have sought.

Source: spl.com.sa

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”