Tarek Dhiab Praises Al-Hilal’s Progress and Mohamed Mahzari After Al-Fateh Win
Former Al-Ahli Saudi player and Tunisia international Tarek Dhiab has praised Al-Hilal’s squad and highlighted the rapid development of right-back Mohamed Mahzari. His comments followed Al-Hilal’s hard-fought 2-0 victory over Al-Fateh, a result that brought matchweek 12 of the Saudi Roshn Pro League to a close.
Dhiab believes Al-Hilal have become a stronger, more balanced side under head coach Simone Inzaghi. He also singled out Mahzari as one of the team’s most impressive performers, describing the defender as a valuable signing who has made a clear impact at both ends of the pitch.
Dhiab Sees Clear Improvement Under Inzaghi
Speaking to the Thmanyah network, Dhiab said Al-Hilal have a “wonderful group of players” and stressed that the team has improved significantly under Inzaghi. The Italian coach’s influence has been evident in the side’s organisation and ability to find ways through demanding league matches.
Al-Hilal’s win over Al-Fateh was not simply a matter of attacking quality. The Riyadh club had to work for the result, combining patience with defensive discipline before securing a two-goal margin. Such performances can be important over a long league campaign, when teams must collect points even on evenings when the match does not unfold easily.
For supporters assessing Al-Hilal’s title prospects, the result offered another encouraging sign. A successful team needs more than star forwards: reliable defending, effective wide players and a deep squad can all make the difference across a season. Dhiab’s comments suggest he sees those qualities developing under Inzaghi.
Mohamed Mahzari Earns Special Recognition
Dhiab reserved particular praise for right-back Mohamed Mahzari, saying the player had made noticeable progress and represented a winning deal for Al-Hilal. He described Mahzari as a footballer who has established himself through his performances, rather than relying on reputation alone.
The former Tunisia midfielder was especially impressed by Mahzari’s contribution in both phases of play. A modern right-back is often expected to support attacks by advancing down the flank, offering passing options and helping create space for teammates. But the role also demands concentration and strong one-on-one defending, particularly when opponents target the channels behind an advancing full-back.
According to Dhiab, Mahzari has handled that balance well. He praised the defender’s attacking involvement while also emphasising his solidity at the back. In his view, opposing attackers find it difficult to get past Mahzari, making him a dependable presence on the right side of the defence.
That combination can be especially valuable for a team that wants to control possession and push players forward. When a full-back can defend confidently, the rest of the team has greater freedom to attack without leaving the flank exposed. Mahzari’s development could therefore benefit Al-Hilal beyond his individual performances, helping the side maintain its shape as play moves between defence and attack.
Man of the Match Recognition Reflects His Influence
Asked about Mahzari receiving the man of the match award against Al-Fateh, Dhiab said the recognition was deserved. He called the defender a major asset for Al-Hilal, underlining how highly he rates the player’s contribution to the team.
Individual awards do not always capture every detail of a performance, but they can draw attention to players whose work is crucial even when they are not scoring goals. For a defender, that may include winning duels, blocking attacks, recovering possession and choosing the right moments to join the forward line. Dhiab’s assessment points to Mahzari’s all-round influence rather than a single highlight.
The praise also reflects the importance of player development within a squad. A team’s fortunes are often shaped not only by established stars but by players who improve, earn greater responsibility and become more consistent. If Mahzari continues on his current trajectory, he could become an increasingly important part of Al-Hilal’s plans in domestic and continental competition.
What the Result Could Mean for Al-Hilal
Al-Hilal’s 2-0 victory extended the club’s positive momentum and provided a solid finish to matchweek 12. While one result cannot determine the outcome of a title race, victories earned through discipline and patience can prove just as significant as high-scoring displays. They help teams maintain confidence and avoid dropping points during challenging stretches of the schedule.
The next test will be whether Al-Hilal can carry that form into upcoming fixtures, including their continental commitments. The demands of the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League Elite require careful squad management, with players expected to perform across a busy calendar. Depth, tactical flexibility and the continued development of contributors such as Mahzari may all be important.
Al-Hilal Prediction: Momentum and Balance Are Key
Any football prediction about Al-Hilal’s season should account for the strength of their squad as well as the team’s progress under Inzaghi. Dhiab’s endorsement is not a guarantee of future success, but it reinforces the view that Al-Hilal are building a more complete side—one capable of combining attacking ambition with defensive resilience.
If Mahzari maintains his form and the team continues to deliver in difficult matches, Al-Hilal will remain a serious contender in the league and a formidable opponent in continental football. For now, the win over Al-Fateh has given supporters another reason for optimism, while Dhiab’s praise has placed the spotlight on a right-back whose growing influence may prove important in the months ahead.
