Ahmad Benali

Ahmad Benali
Personal information
Date of birth (1992-02-07) 7 February 1992
Place of birth Manchester, England
Height 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
Playing position Central midfielder
attacking midfielder
Club information
Current team
 Pescara
Number 10
Youth career
2001–2010 Manchester City
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2010–2012 Manchester City 0 (0)
2011 → Rochdale (loan) 2 (0)
2012–2015 Brescia 79 (13)
2015-2016 Palermo 0 (0)
2015–2016 → Pescara (loan) 39 (5)
2016– Pescara 10 (1)
National team‡
2008–2009 England U17 5 (0)
2012– Libya 2 (0)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 11:30, 30 October 2016 (EST).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 15 June 2013

Ahmad Benali (born 7 February 1992) is a Libyan international footballer who plays for Italian club Pescara as a central midfielder.

Club career

Manchester City

Benali started his career in the youth team of Manchester City since joining the club at eight,[1] and signed his first professional contract on his 17th birthday.[2] While at the Manchester City youth team, Benali was given the captaincy,[1]

On 31 August 2011, Benali was loaned out to League One club Rochdale, alongside with his former team–mate David Ball, until 1 January 2012.[3] After being absent from the first team for a month, Benali made his Rochdale debut on 4 October 2011, where he made his first start and played 72 minutes, in a 1–1 draw against Scunthorpe United in the second round of the Football League Trophy and progressed through to the next round after winning 3–1 in the penalty shoot–out.[4] Benali then made his league debut eleven days later on 15 October 2011, where he provided assist for Gary Jones, in a 2–2 draw against Colchester United.[5] After making two appearance for Rochdale, Benali returned to his parent club in late–December when it came to an end.[6] However, Benali later reflected his time at Rochdale, stating he didn’t like the club’s playing style and once spent two weeks training on his own after being disciplined by Manger.[1]

At the end of the 2011–12 season, Benali was released by Manchester City following his end to his contract. By the time he was released, Benali made no appearance for the club.[7]

Brescia Calcio

After leaving Manchester City, Benali played abroad for the first time when he moved to Italy to join the Serie B club Brescia in the summer of 2012.[8] Benali later reflected on his decision to play in Italy, stating he wanted to prove himself that he is good enough.[1]

Benali made his Brescia Calcio debut, where he played 77 minutes, in a 2–1 loss against Cremonese in the second round of Coppa Italia.[9] Benali made his league debut for Brescia debut, where he came on as a substitute in the 88th minutes, in a 4–2 loss against Novara Calcio.[10] Benali went on to make nine appearance in his first season at Brescia, with injuries restricted his appearance.[11][12]

In the 2013–14 season, Benali managed to regain his first team place at the club and scored his first goal of the season, in a 4–1 win over Cittadella on 19 October 2013.[13] Then on 9 November 2014, Benali was sent–off in the 77th minutes, in a 2–0 loss against Avellino.[14] This was his return after earning a yellow card for the fourth time against AS Siena on 1 November 2013.[15] Benali then scored his second goal on 26 December 2013, in a 2–1 win over Juve Stabia[16] and his third goal came on 29 March 2014, in a 2–1 loss against Siena.[17] Benali scored his fourth goal in another encounter, in a 4–1 win against Juve Stabia on 25 May 2014.[18] Benali went on to make thirty–six appearance and scoring nine times for the club in the 2013–14 season.

In the 2014–15 season, Benali started well when he remained in the first team and scored his first goal of the season in a 2 –1 win over Pro Vercelli.[19] Benali then scored three goals in three games between 28 October 2014 and 6 November 2014 against Crotone,[20] Trapani[21] and Pescara.[22] Benali went on to score five more goals later in the season against Virtus Entella,[23] Varese,[24] Vicenza,[25] Catania[26] and Bari.[27] Despite being suspended three times,[28] Benali went on to make thirty–six appearance and scoring nine times for the club in the 2014–15 season.

However, at the end of the 2014–15 season, Benali’s contract at Brescia was expecting to end, as well as, the club began having financial problem.[29] Benali had attracted interests from Inter Milan,[30] Sampdoria,[31] Sassuolo,[32] Chievo,[33] Celtic[34] and Everton.[35]

U.S. Città di Palermo

In the summer of 2015, after three seasons playing for Brescia, he moved to the Serie A club Palermo on a free transfer signing a four-year contract.[36]

However, Benali struggled to make a break into the Palermo’s first team and was expected to be loaned out by Manager Maurizio Zamparini.[37][38]

Pescara

Shortly after joining Palermo, Benali was loaned out Pescara immediately until the end of the 2015–16 season on 29 August 2015.[39]

Benali made his Pescara debut in the opening game of the season, making his first start, in a 4–0 loss against Livorno.[40] Benali established himself in the first team at Pescara and scored his first Pescara goal on 17 October 2015, in a 3–0 win over Trapani.[41] Benali’s second goal came on 24 January 2016, in a 4–0 win over Perugia.[42] Benali then scored his third goal of the season, in a 5–2 loss against Pro Vercelli on 5 March 2016.[43] However, Benali was sent–off on 2 April 2016, in a 2–1 win over Calcio Como[44] and was banned for four matches as a result.[45] After serving four matches, Benali returned to the first team and scored after two weeks from his return,[46] in a 5–2 win over Modena on 14 May 2016.[47] Benali then played a role for the club when he scored in the first leg of the promotion play-offs, in a 2–0 win over Trapani and the club would went on to be promoted to Serie A after drawing 1–1.[48] Benali went on to finish the 2015–16 season at Pescara, making thirty–time appearance and scoring five times.

Having previously stated he would like to join Pescara on permanently,[49] Benali got his wish to join the club on 9 June 2016, shortly after the club’s promotion to Serie A.[50] and was given a number ten shirt ahead of the 2016–17 season.[51] Benali scored his first Serie A goal, in the opening game of the season, in a 2–2 draw against Napoli.[52][53]

International career

Although Benali played England U17 five times, Benali declared his allegiance to play for Libya.[52] He made his debut with the national Libyan on 23 May 2012, in the friendly played against Rwanda.[54]

Style of Play

In response to his playing style in an interview with Umbro, Benali said: ‘’”I’m an attacking midfielder, I like to get forward and support the attack rather than the other side of midfield! Maybe a bit similar to someone like Kaka – I don’t have a nickname like his though! Mine’s Ammo.”’’[55]

Italian media based Fanta Magazine said of his playing style, quoting: ‘’”Benali prefers to play as a midfielder but if necessary can also be used as a central midfielder or even as a playmaker. In addition, Benali can be used as a technical midfielder, who athleticism can help the important contribution in defence despite his lack of height at 173cm. Benali also a good dribbler, who can take a shot from distance and has a very strong offensive skills.”’’[37]

Personal life

Born in Manchester, England, Benali was born to a Libyian father and a British mother and is a Muslim.[52] Regarding to his nationality, Benali said he considered himself to be Libyan.[55] Benali has two children: a daughter, Yasmin,[56] and a son, Ayman[57]

While growing up in Manchester, Benali developed a Manchester accent and supported Manchester City.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Meet Ahmad Benali... the man who never made the grade at Manchester City but is making a name for himself in Italy". Daily Mail. 9 January 2015. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  2. ↑ "Elite Squad In-Take". 29 May 2010. Archived from the original on 1 September 2016. Retrieved 2011-10-26.
  3. ↑ "Rochdale snap up David Ball and Ahmed Benali". BBC Sport. 31 August 2011. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  4. ↑ "Rochdale 1 – 1 Scunthorpe United". BBC Sport. 4 October 2011. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  5. ↑ "Jones rescues point for Dale". Sky Sports. 15 October 2011. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  6. ↑ "Walsall v Rochdale: Match Preview". Manchester Evening News. 30 December 2011. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  7. ↑ "Hargreaves heads City's released list". Manchester City F.C. 22 May 2012. Archived from the original on 1 September 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  8. ↑ "Football Brescia: taken BENALI, FINAZZI, PICCI, RUSSO" (in Italian). Brescia Today. 11 July 2012. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  9. ↑ "UN DERBY GRIGIO...ROSSO: DRAMMI NO, PREOCCUPAZIONE SI'" (in Italian). Brescia in Goal. 13 August 2012. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  10. ↑ "Serie B: Mbakogu e Gonzalez lanciano Juve Stabia e Novara" (in Italian). Sky Italia. 13 October 2012. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  11. ↑ "Notiziario sabato 12 gennaio 2013" (in Italian). Brescia Calcio. 12 January 2013. Archived from the original on 1 September 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  12. ↑ "BENALI: UNA VITTORIA PER I PLAY OFF" (in Italian). Brescia Calcio. 4 May 2013. Archived from the original on 1 September 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  13. ↑ "Serie B, il Lanciano si conferma a Crotone. Empoli e Avellino si riscattano" (in Italian). Repubblica. 19 October 2013. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  14. ↑ "Corioni è una furia "Brescia bruttissimo arbitro scandaloso"" (in Italian). La Gazzetta Dello Sport. 10 November 2013. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  15. ↑ "Serie B, Lanciano avanti con Thiam. Empoli, 2-0 alla Juve Stabia. Palermo frena" (in Italian). La Gazzetta Dello Sport. 26 October 2013. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  16. ↑ "Serie B, le partite del 26 dicembre 2013: il Palermo si riprende la vetta" (in Italian). Calcio Blog. 26 December 2013. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  17. ↑ "Serie B: i risultati della 32°giornata" (in Italian). La Gazzetta Palermitana. 29 March 2014. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  18. ↑ "Calcio, Serie B, 41ª giornata: Cittadella-Empoli 2-2, Cesena-Latina 1-3, Spezia-Bari 2-0, Crotone-Trapani 2-1" (in Italian). La Gazzetta Dello Sport. 25 May 2014. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  19. ↑ "Brescia, Benali: "Importante tornare a vincere nel nostro stadio"" (in Italian). Tutto Mercato Web. 19 October 2014. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  20. ↑ "Carpi, tris e vetta. Stop del Frosinone, pari del Livorno. Il Catania ne fa cinque" (in Italian). La Gazzetta Dello Sport. 28 October 2014. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  21. ↑ "Quanti errori E non solo nostri" (in Italian). La Gazzetta Dello Sport. 2 November 2014. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  22. ↑ "CM STADIO: Brescia-Pescara 1-3" (in Italian). Calcio Mercato. 7 November 2014. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  23. ↑ "Serie B: il Carpi vola e allunga sul Bologna. Il Catania va, Livorno k.o." (in Italian). La Gazzetta Dello Sport. 31 January 2015. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  24. ↑ "Il Frosinone passa a Catania, Manita del Pescara" (in Italian). Eurosport. 28 February 2015. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  25. ↑ "Serie B: Carpi, storica promozione. Il Frosinone sale al 2° posto" (in Italian). Repubblica. 28 April 2015. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  26. ↑ "Catania strapazzato, al Rigamonti il Brescia si impone 4-2" (in Italoan). Sicilia Journal. 9 May 2015. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  27. ↑ "Catania strapazzato, al Rigamonti il Brescia si impone 4-2" (in Italian). Bari Today. 16 May 2015. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  28. ↑ "Brescia-Trapani, altro pari: 1-1" (in Italian). Si 24.it. 29 March 2015. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  29. ↑ "Brescia, un'inglese su Benali" (in Italian). Calcio Mercato. 14 January 2015. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  30. ↑ "ESCLUSIVA TMW – Brescia, c'è la fila per Benali: ci pensa anche l'Inter" (in Italian). Tutto Mercato Web. 17 November 2014. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  31. ↑ "Inter su Benali e Samp su H'Maidat: caccia ai gioielli del Brescia" (in Italian). Tutto Mercato Web. 30 December 2014. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  32. ↑ "ESCLUSIVA TMW - Sassuolo, inserimento per Benali: oggi incontro col Brescia" (in Italian). Tutto Mercato Web. 5 January 2015. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  33. ↑ "ESCLUSIVA TMW - Chievo Verona, sondaggio per Benali" (in Italian). Tutto Mercato Web. 7 January 2015. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  34. ↑ "Celtic eye shock swoop on Serie B side Brescia for Libyan midfielder Ahmad Benali". Daily Record. 7 January 2015. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  35. ↑ "Everton eye transfer of Ahmad Benali as Italians Brescia face financial disaster". Daily Mirror. 13 January 2015. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  36. ↑ "ACCORDO RAGGIUNTO CON BENALI, IN ROSANERO DALL'1 LUGLIO". U.S. Città di Palermo. 8 June 2015. Archived from the original on 1 September 2016. Retrieved 2015-06-08.
  37. 1 2 "B Talent: Ahmad Benali, il centrocampista del Pescara Calcio". Fanta Magazine. 10 May 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  38. ↑ "ESCLUSIVA TMW - Intuizione Zamparini su Benali. Era ad un passo dal Chievo" (in Italian). Tutto Mercato Web. 23 July 2015. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  39. ↑ "BENALI IN PRESTITO AL PESCARA" (in Italian). U.S. Città di Palermo. 29 August 2015. Archived from the original on 1 September 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  40. ↑ "Serie B, il calendario 2015/2016: tutte le partite delle 42 giornate" (in Italian). Si 24. 25 August 2015. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  41. ↑ "CM STADIO: Trapani-Pescara 0-3" (in Italian). Calcio Mercato. 17 October 2015. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  42. ↑ "Perugia-Pescara 0-4: Oddo stacca di nuovo il Bari, Bisoli fuori dalla zona playoff" (in Italian). La Gazzetta Dello Sport. 24 January 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  43. ↑ "Serie B, Pro Vercelli da sogno: 5-2 contro il Pescara" (in Italian). Tutto Sport. 5 March 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  44. ↑ "CM STADIO: Pescara-Como 2-1. Oddo: 'Quell'abbraccio...'" (in Italian). Calcio Mercato. 2 April 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  45. ↑ "Serie B, le decisioni del Giudice Sportivo: quattro turni per Benali" (in Italian). Calcio Mercato. 5 April 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  46. ↑ "Convocati Pescara: tornano Benali e Aresti, out Verre" (in Italian). Calacio Mercato. 29 April 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  47. ↑ "Al Cesena lo spareggio playoff col Novara, Pescara cinquina a Modena e 3° posto ipotecato" (in Italian). Eurosport. 14 May 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  48. ↑ "Serie B, Pescara-Trapani 2-0: Benali-Lapadula, gli abruzzesi vedono la A" (in Italian). Repubblica. 5 June 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  49. ↑ "Ahmad Benali, centrocampista di proprietà del Palermo: "Voglio restare a Pescara"" (in Italian). Roto Calcio. 18 May 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  50. ↑ "Calciomercato Palermo: ufficiale, Benali è del Pescara. Un milione a Zamparini" (in Italian). Media Gol.it. 9 June 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  51. ↑ "Pescara: tutti i numeri di maglia" (in Italian). Calcio Mercato. 12 August 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  52. 1 2 3 "Serie A, Pescara si coccola Benali: dal City all'esordio (con gol) contro il Napoli" (in Italian). La Gazzetta Dello Sport. 22 August 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  53. ↑ "Pescara-Napoli 2-2: gli azzurri partono male, Mertens evita il ko" (in Italian). Repubblica. 21 August 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  54. ↑ "Brazil dreams inspire unlikely Libyans". 2012-05-31. Retrieved 2012-05-31.
  55. 1 2 "THE NEW FABRIC OF ENGLAND: AHMAD BENALI". Umbro Official Website. 22 September 2010. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  56. ↑ "E' nata Yasmin Benali" (in Italian). Brescia Calcio. 27 September 2013. Archived from the original on 1 September 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  57. ↑ "E' nato Ayman Benali" (in Italian). Brescia Calcio. 1 December 2014. Archived from the original on 1 September 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2016.

External links

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