So far, Ahmed Elmohamady's adventure with Sunderland has been strikingly similar to Amr Zaki's at Wigan Athletic in the 2008-2009 season, which makes one wonder what the next few months will bring for the Black Cats ace. Twenty-three-year-old Elmohamady moved to the Stadium of Light from ENPPI in the close season on an extendable year-long loan, and thanks to his agility and other remarkable capabilities the Egypt international adapted to the English game in no time. After less than two months in England, his scintillating form and pace drew the attention of big guns Manchester United and Arsenal, with reports suggesting that the versatile player will earn a permanent Premiership deal in the January transfer window. The reported interest of the imposing Premier League pair in Elmohamady clearly shows the kind of impact he made. No doubt that he gained quick fame, but will the right-sided midfielder maintain consistency or turn out to be another Egyptian fluke? Let's wind the clock back two years. At the time, Zaki was reportedly targeted by heavyweights Real Madrid and Liverpool after taking the Premier League by storm. To the same extent as Elmo, the well-built striker made the most of his physicality and tenacity to hit the headlines promptly. But despite his auspicious start with Wigan the Zak faced several challenges that he couldn't rise to, and eventually a severe dip in form as well as typically Egyptian problems of indiscipline saw him return home with his tail between his legs.
Elmohamady is encountering the difficulties Zaki couldn't overcome, with the winter looming and numerous reports claiming that United and Arsenal are keeping tabs on him. The media hype that surrounded Zaki back then was understandably cited as a major reason why he failed to keep his prominent status with the Latics. Whilst the Mansoura-born man was tipped to be the next big thing he adopted an unprofessional attitude, failing more than once to report back from international duty on time. On top of that, Zaki notably lost his goal-scoring touch near the halfway mark. His then coach Steve Bruce, who neither tolerated his lack of professionalism nor inability to show goal menace, was convinced that cold weather in England took a toll on him. Under the very same man who didn't bear Zaki's misbehavior and goal drought – Bruce – Elmohamady is encountering the difficulties his older compatriot couldn't overcome, with the winter looming and numerous reports claiming that United and Arsenal are keeping tabs on him. It's yet to be seen how the winter freeze and the limelight will affect the pacey winger. The weather factor is inevitable; either he will endure the upcoming frosty days or not. However, the way he will deal with the media focus is up to him. The majority of Elmohamady's fans worry about his career rather than relishing the prospect that he might ply his trade at Old Trafford or Emirates Stadium. Their concern is by far justifiable, given that most Egyptian players tend to turn arrogant when they become too newsworthy. Egyptian trio Hossam Ghaly, Mido and Zaki ended their respective Premiership stints on a low note. All of them seemed to be promising at some point but they didn't have the requisite mentality to attain long-term success in the elite competition. The next months will somewhat indicate whether or not Elmohamady is cast in a different mould from his aforesaid countrymen.
