Abu Dhabi: As expected, Al Ain having clinched the Arabian Gulf League title, dominated the 2017-2018 Arabian Gulf League Award with their star player Omar Abdul Rahman clinching the Golden Ball Award for Emirati Player at a glittering function at the Emirates Palace on Thursday.
The Al Ain playmaker may have only featured in 17 matches, but in those 1131 minutes, he once again proved his position as one of the top players in the continent and was instrumental in scoring five goals himself, more than any other Emirati player in the side. Al Ain’s Rayan Yaslam and Ali Mabkhout of Al Jazira were the others who were nominated in the same category.
“I’m extremely pleased with the award. It is good to finish as the best player and I want to continue in the same way in the coming season. I want to ensure that Al Ain also stays there at the top,” said a jubilant Omar Abdul Rahman.
Al Ain’s Croatian coach Zoran Mamic also walked away with the Leader Award. Sharjah coach Abdulaziz Al Anbari and Laurentiu Reghecampf of Al Wahda were the others shortlisted for the award.
Mamic’s impact was evident in the Boss' dominance as the team with the least number of defeats in the league being just one and the largest number of wins – 16 in total. The team with the strongest attack scored 65 goals.
“This is for the team not just for me. We deserve this and this award is for the Club,” said a beaming Mamic, the 46th coach in the history of the club, who became the second Croatian to win the title with Al Ain, following in the footsteps of Zlatko Dalic who lifted the trophy in 2014-15.
Al Wahda’s ace striker Sebastian Tagliabue walked away with the Golden Ball Award for Foreign Player pipping other serious contenders – Marcus Berg of Al Ain and Fabio de Lima of Al Wasl.
“Extremely pleased with the way the season has gone for me and then to get this is very special. I have extended my contract last week for two years and I would like to continue in the same way,” said a jubilant Tagliabue.
Berg though missed out on the Golden Ball Award for Foreign Player, was rewarded with the top scorer award for his 25 goals for season.
Arabian Gulf League Awards:
Golden Ball Award for Emirati Player: Omar Abdul Rahman (Al Ain)
Golden Ball Award - Foreign Player: Sebastian Tagliabue (Al Wahda)
Leader Award: Zoran Mamic (Al Ain)
Golden Boy Award: Mohammed Al Shamsi (Al Wahda)
Golden Glove Award: Khalid Eisa (Al Ain)
Golden Boot: Marcus Berg (Al Ain)
Fan's Player of the Year: Hussein El Shahat (Al Ain)
