Counting the likes of Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs and Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge amongst his admirers, Omar Abdulrahman has rightly earned a reputation as one of the most exciting players the Middle East has produced.
The Emirati garnered attention from all around the world back in the summer of 2012 when he put in an impressive showing for the United Arab Emirates at the London Olympics, almost helping them to beat the mighty Uruguay.
Even though the South American team, which included the likes of Edison Cavani and Luis Suarez, came from behind to win the match it was Abdulrahman who earned all the plaudits.
Soon after that tournament, he was on the verge of joining Manchester City after a successful trial but work permit issues reportedly hampered Abdulrahman’s chance to test himself in the Premier League. The Saudi Arabian-born player also confessed he had spurned the advances of Benfica that same year.
The fact that so many major clubs were interested in signing the then 21-year-old was an indication of his ability
Continuing to play his club football for Al Ain, Abdulrahman’s influence within the team was rising all the time, helping them to win two more league titles.
There were further examples of his ability to perform against higher quality opposition, playing another key role in UAE’s third-place finish at the 2015 Asian Cup as he provided the joint-highest number of assists (4).
The only other significant trophy he is yet to win relative to the Middle East is the Asian Champions League, although he did reach the final last year.
Just like the 2012 Olympics there was another fantastic opportunity for Abdulrahman to show exactly why he has what it takes to play anywhere in the world at the 2018 World Cup. There is no greater stage for someone to earn themselves a move to pastures new.
However the UAE didn’t quite manage to qualify, dropping out in the third round after finishing fourth behind Japan, Saudi Arabia and Australia.
Had the Arabian Peninsula nation successfully booked their place at the major tournament, set to be held in Russia, it would have represented another prime chance for Abdulrahman to reignite interest from abroad.
With how reluctant Al Ain are to let their star asset leave at present it seems highly unlikely Abdulrahman will be able to test himself against world class opponents on a regular basis.
Just this year Ligue 1 side Nice wanted to take him on loan with the chance to sample Champions League football on offer but a deal never materialized.
As long as the Abu Dhabi club maintain an iron-clad position on Abdulrahman’s future there is always the danger they will prevent the player from realizing his true potential.
