UAE Pro League review: Mabkhout stars for Al-Jazira, losing start for Iniesta

There was double Dutch delight for Frank de Boer’s Al-Jazira and Al-Ain’s Alfred Schreuder, plus a losing debut for Spain legend Andres Iniesta at promoted Emirates Club, in a goal-laden 2023-24 ADNOC Pro League kick-off.

Friday’s opening night began with a bang. Record 14-time champions Al-Ain required Hussain Abbas to put into his own net when Baniyas were downed 3-2; star-studded Sharjah edged an epic 4-3 at Ittihad Kalba; 10-man title holders Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club ominously breezed past potential dark horses Ajman 3-0; and Pitso Mosimane’s hotly tipped Al-Wahda were surprisingly beaten 2-1 at home by expected strugglers Al-Bataeh.

Saturday’s matchweek one action witnessed timeless UAE icon Ali Mabkhout notch a decisive brace in Al-Jazira’s promising 3-1 victory at Al-Nasr; Brazilian striker Tiago Leonco’s penalty condemn returning Hatta to a 2-1 loss at Khor Fakkan; and Andres Iniesta come off the substitute’s bench to wide acclamation when Emirates were beaten 1-0 by Al-Wasl.

Here are Arab News’ top picks and a talking point from a memorable start.

Player of the week: Ali Mabkhout (Al-Jazira)

Mabkhout reached the mythical 210-goal mark in the UAE’s top flight — and 250 in all competitions — on an encouraging evening for himself and Al-Jazira.

Expectations were lifted a level over the summer when 2020-21 title winner Marcel Keizer’s discouraging end to a once-golden second spell at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium was followed by De Boer’s eye-catching arrival.

Mabkhout is key if the former Ajax, Internazionale, Crystal Palace, Atlanta United and Netherlands supremo is to also taste success in Abu Dhabi.

Last term’s 27-goal second-top scorer and Golden Ball recipient — for outstanding Emirati player — at the