The Insiders View: NUFC's Arab 'SoccaStars'
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Newcastle-Online.com reader and resident Arabian soccer expert, Jay
Cockerill, gives us the lowdown on Abdul Rahman Al Bukhari,
Mohammed Al Gabbas and Suddouk Al Haj the three Arabian starlets who
have joined Newcastle's Academy for a year following success in a
'Pop-Idol' style show called 'SoccaStars' back in their homelands.
Abdul Rahman Al Bukhari |
Name: Abdul Rahman Al Bukhari
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
DOB: 17/01/1990
Height: 174cm
Weight: 56kg
Position: Central midfield
Jay's view: "Al Buckaroo who came 3rd is a tough
player who likes to get stuck in and isn't afraid to put in a tackle
or two, very young, maybe, but very talented too. He plays in the
centre of midfield and the judges were very surprised when they found
out he was only 15 years-old!"
Jay's verdict: "A replica of Steven Taylor maturity
wise when he was 15, tough, not afraid, and talented. He stood out
from the rest of his age group, another thumbs up from me, very promising!"
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Mohammed Al Gabbas |
Name: Mohammed Al Gabbas
Nationality: Egyptian
DOB: 01/01/1988
Height: 182cm
Weight: 74.2kg
Position:
Central midfield
Jay's view: Gabbas who came 2nd is an Egyptian striker
who is strong and finishes well. He is only 17 years-old."
Jay's verdict: "A strong and big player, good
in the air and quite quick, Gabbas will feel just at home with the
physical side of the Premiership and should hopefully settle well
in Newcastle."
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Suddouk Al Haj |
Name: Suddouk Al Haj
Nationality: Algerian
DOB: 04/10/1987
Height: 177cm
Weight: 70.8kg
Position: Attacking midfielder
Jay's view: "Al Haj who won the entire series
is a skilful player with amazing dribbling skills and he plays in
the attacking midfield role or just off the striker.The judged said
he was a 'gifted' player."
Jay's verdict: "He will make it as long as he
gets used to the physical side of the Premiership, his technical and
dribbling skills are immense, very creative."
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Peter Beardsley, the judge, on his winner Suddouk Al Haj: |
"Sadouk stood out from the moment we saw him. He has a bit of
everything, the brain, the vision and the overall ability. He has
great technical ability, and he plays with a smile on his face.
"He reminded me a lot of Nobby Solano. He's never played football
properly before, he's always been involved in street football.
"He wins a full year with the Academy at Newcastle, and the organisers
also gave him a car.
"The two lads who came second and third, Mohamed Gabbas and Abdel
Rahman Bokhari will also come over to Newcastle.
"They weren't aware of that when we revealed the winner, so it was
nice to see their reaction when they were told the news.
"The good thing for Peter Kirkley (Youth Development Officer) and
I was the fact that the series went out on TV, and they had a phone
vote for the viewers to choose their top four.
"The top four chosen by the viewers matched our top four, so we were
happy with that.
"We'll look forward to seeing them when they get to Tyneside and we'll
see how they get on in the Academy."
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So what exactly is SoccaStars, then? |
SoccaStars is an initiative to find emerging football stars of the
future and is a global event with many nations taking part. This year
it was Arabia's turn. The event is a televised event where the viewing
public vote for the winner, very similar to many reality TV shows
like 'Pop-Idol, 'The Match!' and 'X-Factor'.
8,000 youngsters took part in this year's event and after a series
of trials, training sessions, practice matches and coaching , the
contestants were whittled down to a final group with the public voting
via phone, text messaging and the Internet to decide the eventual
winner.
SoccaStars gives developing nations the chance to get their foot on
to the ladder of football and for many, it's the opportunity of a
life-time to make it as a professional footballer.
Newcastle United were happy to participate this year and as a result
the club have become a household name in Arab soccer circles, made
many friends and have stolen a march on an untapped market not only
for emerging talent but also for potential sponsorship avenues.
We at Newcastle-Online.com thank Jay Cockerill for his views, say
a big well done to United and wish the Arab lads well in their pursuit
of a career with the club. |
