Paulo Sousa: Hails Adil Rami as Crucial Player, Expressing Admiration

Al Shabab Al Ahli coach Paulo Sousa believes striker Sultan Adel has what it takes to become one of the UAE's top local forwards, but says the player must prove himself through consistent training and match performance to earn his spot back in the starting lineup.

The Portuguese manager's comments come as Sultan Adel works his way back from a lengthy injury layoff that has disrupted his development over the past two seasons. Sousa made it clear that talent alone isn't enough in professional football - players need to show up every day and maintain their fitness levels.

"Sultan is a very important player for Shabab Al Ahli, and I like him as a player and striker," Sousa told Emirates Today. "Before his injury, he was performing at a very strong level. But to achieve personal goals and ambitions, he must fight for his place in the formation and show great commitment in daily training."

The striker's road back hasn't been smooth. Beyond the major injury that kept him out for months, Sultan recently dealt with a high fever that lasted three consecutive days, further affecting his fitness and readiness. These setbacks highlight how quickly a player's career trajectory can change in professional sports.

Sousa pushed back against critics who judge players without understanding their circumstances. "People judge quickly, but the coach knows the details of each player's physical condition," he explained. "For me, there are no percentages in football. I don't say a player has returned at 70 or 80% because the real measure is his ability to maintain continuity in training and matches."

The numbers tell the story of Sultan's struggles. Throughout the past and current seasons, he hasn't managed to stay in training for two consecutive weeks. This lack of consistency makes it nearly impossible for any player to reach their potential or contribute meaningfully to team success.

When asked about Sultan's prospects for national team selection, Sousa diplomatically deferred to national coach Cosmin Contra's judgment while emphasizing his belief in the player's abilities. "I know coach Cosmin well and respect him greatly. He's aware of all the players in the league, and his decisions come from his technical convictions," Sousa said.

The situation reflects broader challenges facing local talent development in UAE football. Young players often struggle with the pressure of expectations while dealing with injuries and competition for places. Sultan's case shows how quickly promising careers can stall without consistent performance and availability.

For Sultan Adel, the path forward is clear but demanding. He needs to string together weeks of uninterrupted training, prove his fitness in reserve matches, and gradually work his way back into Sousa's plans. The talent is there, according to his coach, but football rewards those who can stay healthy and maintain their standards over time.