Ahmed Al-Muhammadi needs a sort of commitment that some of his compatriots lacked to establish himself with Sunderland in the elite English Premier League. The ENPPI wing-back realized a long-held dream of experiencing English football but this can hardly be enough to ensure he would prove a success with Sunderland, whom he joined on a season-long loan. The likes of Ibrahim Saied, Hossam Ghaly and Amr Zaki had the same determination but ended up bemoaning some childish actions which cost them a stay in one of the best leagues in the world. Al-Muhammadi is burdened with improving the image of Egyptian footballers and proving that they can keep up with the demands of such high-profile competitions. "I want to prove my worth at Sunderland and remain in English football for three more years at least," Al-Muhammadi said after the club announced that he was their third close-season signing. "I'm fully aware of my responsibilities as a professional," the 22-year-old added in a confident tone. Al-Muhammadi is a talented winger who can operate anywhere on the right flank, with his penetration skills and precise crosses proving a constant menace to opposing defenders. In terms of footballing abilities, he can easily settle in and impress manager Steve Bruce.
Ghaly ruined his Tottenham spell However, his Egyptian predecessors in the Premier League were also gifted players but they could not live up to expectations due to unfortunate off-field matters and nervous temparement. Hangover Midfielder Ghaly and striker Zaki appeared to have suffered a post-success hangover that eventually sealed their fate. Ghaly joined Tottenham Hotspur from Dutch side Feyenoord in January 2006 and within a year he became an important member of Spurs squad. He was hailed by Tottenham's supporters after remarkably remaining on the pitch until halftime despite losing four teeth after colliding with the boot of then Portsmouth defender Noe Pamarot in a FA Cup clash. But his bravery counted for nothing when he astonishingly threw off his Tottenham shirt after being substituted in a Premier League game against Blackburn Rovers in May 2007. He consequently left the club few months later. Zamalek's combative frontman Zaki moved to Wigan Athletic, who were also managed by Bruce, in the summer of 2008 and he quickly made a stunning impact. He approached the halfway stage of the season with ten goals to his name to outshine several stars such as Didier Drogba and Wayne Rooney but his inexplicable late returns from international duty brought his adventure to a premature end.
So did Zaki, but with Wigan! Zaki, who spent an unsuccessful loan stint with fellow English side Hull City last season, now hopes to be able to break into Zamalek's first-team while Ghaly is considering leaving Saudi Arabia's Nassr and returning to Egypt. Al-Muhammadi, who is now the only Egyptian in the Premier League, should take those unpleasant experiences into consideration if he is to avoid enduring a similar fate. He could follow in the footsteps of former Wigan, Tottenham, Middlesbrough and West Ham striker Mido, who was lauded for his commitment despite struggling to be consistent on the pitch. "I'm determined to take the positives from Zaki's experience at Wigan, not the negatives," Al-Muhammadi told FilGoal.com. "I'm also eager to even join a bigger club in Europe in the near future." Al-Muhammadi was a pivotal member of Egypt's squad that clinched a third consecutive African Cup of Nations title last January. Retaining his place in the Pharaohs' starting line-up pretty much depends on whether he could carve out a successful career in English football. "I hope you will continue to play England and will not return home soon like others," Egypt coach Hassan Shehata told Al-Muhammadi during a Radio show.
