Best Of: Mourad Batna, Al Fateh's menacing Moroccan | OneFootball

Al Fateh were one of the success stories of the 2023-24 Roshn Saudi League and, if they are to match or improve that this coming campaign, then Mourad Batna should once more be pivotal to their prosperity.

The Moroccan was integral to Al Fateh’s seventh-placed finish last season, coming in as the Al Ahsa club’s second-highest scorer in the league, with eight goals – he trailed only Cristian Tello (11) – and providing a further eight assists. That mark was bettered among the squad by only Lucas Zelarayan, who registered nine.

And all that despite injury restricting Batna to a mere five RSL appearances in the second half of the season.

At age 34, Batna may be considered in the twilight of his career, but he continues to make an impact on the club he joined in 2020 from UAE side Al Jazira. Since, he’s been a consistent performer in the RSL, with 29 goals in 90 appearances.

One thing’s for sure: manager Slaven Bilic will again look to the still-influential Batna for a creative spark when Al Fateh kick off their 2024-25 RSL season on August 23, away to fellow Eastern Province side, and newly promoted, Al Qadsiah.

Check out Batna's fine 2023-24 campaign, and the promise of what's to come this season.