Player Profile: Mabrouk Zaid

“have earned him numerous plaudits”; “nominated for the 2005 Asian Player of the Year “; “current Saudi No1 has been earning plaudits left and right – even from rival coaches”

Name: Mabrouk Zaid

Age: 26

Position: Goalkeeper

Club: Al-Ittihad

There are some similarity between Mabrouk Zaid’s goalkeeping and Mohamad Al-Daeyea’s goalkeeping. They both confidently take control of the ball with their impressive manner and tall height.

Shot to prominence with some excellent performances for Ittihad as a replacement for the ex-international Hussein Al-Sadig. This happened few years back when he was a second choice goal-keeper in Ittihad. On final day of the league, he replaced the injured goal-keeper to stop multiple shots from the opponent grabbing him national attention. Thereafter he became no. 1 choice goal-keeper and regular choice for the national team. Zayed was a third choice keeper during the World Cup 2002.

“Zaid has dislodged the long-time number one Mohammed Al Daeyea to now be seen as the first choice Saudi Arabian custodian. His performances for Al Ittihad have earned him numerous plaudits and he was outstanding in the first leg of the 2005 Asian Champions League final, a competition his side went on to win. The Saudis only conceded twice in 12 qualifying games and his commanding presence was a key reason behind their impressive defensive record. Zaid was nominated for the 2005 Asian Player of the Year award.” –BBC

“Since I started as a goalkeeper I was always inspired by Deayea. I have received a lot of helpful hints from him that have had a great impact on my career,” the youngster humbly admitted. Zaid makes no secret of his admiration for Deayea and his unrivalled performances, particularly at USA ‘94 where he helped the Saudis reach the second round, and at the 1996 Asian Cup, when his acrobatic heroics helped capture the title.

The current Saudi No1 has been earning plaudits left and right – even from rival coaches

Recently his injuries have been impeding his performance.

He did not play in a friendly game against Portugal, for he didn’t recover in time for the game. There are chances that Al-Daeyea, a Hilal player, might be favored over Zaid by former Al-Hilal coach and current Saudi Arabia coach, Paqueta.