UAE Pro League rich in renewed promise kicks off Friday

ABU DHABI: The UAE’s Adnoc Pro League is back for a new season, and it could be the most exciting one in years.

Impressive recruitment throughout the 14-team competition has ensured talent, arguably, has not run this deep since the days of Ghanaian icon Asamoah Gyan, debonair Brazilian hit man Grafite, and future World Cup finalist Zlatko Dalic mid-way through the previous decade.

The 2022-23 class is headlined by enigmatic Ukrainian forward Andriy Yarmolenko’s ominous addition at reigning champions Al-Ain, and Sharjah’s snaffling of Spain predator Paco Alcacer. Other stars shine elsewhere.

Here are the main talking points, plus predictions, for a season to savor.

Can anyone bring the Boss down?

A record-extending 14th top-flight title won with a goal difference of plus-40 could have cause for readily satisfied clubs to pause.

Al-Ain, however, are not most clubs, a statement reinforced by the fact they remain the only team to retain the top-flight title in 13 seasons of professionalism.

The searing standard set during last season’s return to form, reflected in unprecedented domination of last week’s annual awards, has been continued by ceaseless coach Serhiy Rebrov.

Celebrated compatriot Yarmolenko’s signature stole headlines globally. Burgeoning Basel midfielder Matias Palacios – a Golden Boy trophy nominee – and FUS Rabat warrior Mehdi Moubarik, reportedly courted by Lille, Porto, and Zamalek, showcase dynastic pretensions.

But their challengers cannot be accused of being supine.

Cosmin leads challenge

A shot across the bows by Sharjah last November witnessed the garlanded return of Romanian talisman Cosmin Olaroiu to the UAE.

Transformation from porous underachievers to hardened contenders was immediate: