Assist master Diaby is back! And that's 'good news for everyone who likes Al Ittihad' | OneFootball

Moussa Diaby needed only 45 minutes to herald his return. To underline what Al Ittihad, albeit already Roshn Saudi League leaders, had been missing.

The French winger, making his first start since early November, broke free of the Al Wehda defence moments before half-time in the season’s second Old Derby and, as he seemed set to shoot, with the sole of his boot rolled back the ball into Karim Benzema’s path.

Benzema, as he is wont to do this campaign, made no mistake. Al Ittihad were 2-1 up and on their way to a 4-1 victory on Saturday night in Mecca.

With Al Hilal held to a draw the previous night by Al Riyadh, the 2022-23 Saudi champions had opened a four-point lead at the summit over the current title-holders.

Diaby, meanwhile, had extended an advantage of his own. Having laid on compatriot Benzema for Al Ittihad's second, he moved to 11 assists in his debut campaign in the Kingdom. The tally means he tops the 2024-25 RSL assist charts, now three ahead of closest challenger Salem Al Dawsari.

Diaby’s 11th assist had come 14 weeks after his 10th.

Such has been the wait for his recovery to full fitness, Al Ittihad supporters would have understandably been holding their breath when Diaby was substituted with 20 minutes of normal time remaining.

Especially with the top-of-the-table Saudi Clasico against Al Hilal to come seven days later, this Saturday, in Jeddah. But never fear. Manager Laurent Blanc sought to allay any worries.

“Why not [substitute Diaby]?”, the Frenchman said post-match. “Why not, guys? He played 70 minutes; he was tired because he runs a lot. But step-by-step he is recovering the best level.

“It’s good news for us, for the team, for the manager, for the fans. For everybody who likes Ittihad.”

With those 70 minutes under his belt – heavily involved, he led ball recoveries for Al Ittihad’s outfield players (five) and crosses (four), while he ranked third for key passes (two) – Diaby appears primed for the biggest match of the RSL season thus far.

Blanc is right: it’s positive news for everyone wishing that Al Ittihad get one over Al Hilal this weekend - and take a mighty step towards delivering the title this term.