# Ahmed Mahrez: Total Playing Time for Al Ittihad Football Club
Ahmed Mahrez, the Algerian midfielder, has been a key player for Al Ittihad Football Club since his signing in 2021. Known for his technical ability and leadership on the field, Mahrez has been a consistent presence in the squad. However, questions have been raised about his total playing time, particularly compared to other high-profile players in the league.
### Domestic League Performance
In the Saudi Pro League, Mahrez has been a regular starter for Al Ittihad. On average, he has been playing around 70-80 minutes per game, which is decent compared to other foreign stars in the league. Players like Neymar and Ronaldo often play closer to 90 minutes, which has led to some fans questioning whether Mahrez is being given enough opportunities to shine.
### International Commitments
Mahrez’s playing time isn’t just limited to domestic competitions. He has also been a part of Algeria’s national team, which competes in the African Cup of Nations and other international tournaments. His role with the national team has added to his overall workload, but this has also allowed him to stay sharp and relevant.
### Comparison with Peers
When compared to other top players in the league, Mahrez’s minutes on the field are slightly lower. For instance, Neymar and Ronaldo often average over 90 minutes per game, while Mahrez is usually around 75-80 minutes. This difference has sparked debates about whether Al Ittihad’s management is fully utilizing his potential.
### Why the Playing Time?
One possible reason for Mahrez’s limited playing time is the competition within the team. Al Ittihad boasts a star-studded lineup,Primeira Liga Hotspots including players like Ricardo Gomes and Andre Carrillo, who have also been key contributors. The presence of these high-profile players might be limiting Mahrez’s opportunities to start consistently.
### Impact on Performance
While Mahrez has been performing well, his reduced playing time could affect his overall game. Playing fewer minutes might mean he’s not fully sharp, and this could impact his creativity and decision-making on the field. However, Mahrez has shown adaptability, often delivering strong performances even when he’s not on the field for the full duration.
### Leadership and Versatility
Despite his playing time concerns, Mahrez has remained a crucial part of the team. His leadership in the locker room and his ability to play in multiple positions (attacking midfielder, box-to-box, or even as a winger) make him a valuable asset. Al Ittihad likely relies on him to step in wherever needed, which might explain why he’s not always on the pitch for the full match.
### Conclusion
While Ahmed Mahrez’s total playing time at Al Ittihad has been a topic of discussion, there’s no doubt about his quality and impact when he’s on the field. The club would benefit from giving him more opportunities to start and finish games, especially if they want to maximize his potential and keep pace with their competitors. For now, Mahrez remains a key player, and his contributions will continue to be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.