Five things we’ve learnt from Round 1of the Qatar Stars League

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1.Sadd look even better this season
With new summer signing Xavi Hernandez at the heart of the Wolves midfield, Sadd look even more composed and threatening. The Wolves who are already known as being one of the biggest passing teams in the league look even more complete with the signing of the Barcelona star. The Wolves certainly look the part but the main issue will be their defence which in the end wasn’t as water tight as Lekhwiya’s last season.

2.Firmin Ndombe Mubele: a genuine solution for Al Ahli
The new Congolese front man was brought in to replace the outgoing Alain Dioko. Mubele is certainly one to watch and has the potential to be just as big as Dioko after yesterday’s performance. The front man was at the heart of everything good for the Brigadiers and came close on a number of occasions.

هدف #الجيش الاول عن طريق عبدالرزاق حمدالله #الجيش_الاهلي #دوري_نجوم_قطر pic.twitter.com/OeyZybEqwm
— Qatar Stars League (@QSL) September 13, 2015

3.Mesaimeer are in for a long and hard season
The Torches had a baptism of fire, so-to-speak in Round 1 of the QSL as they faced Qatari titans Al Sadd Sports Club. Mesaimeer struggled to keep pace with the Wolves and perhaps this will be a reoccurring theme for them. They had very few shots in anger and a real lack of creativity will be key issues for them this season.

4.Rayyan make strong start
Al Rayyan showed that they mean business with a strong performance against Al Sailiya, the Lions are back in the top flight and with a strong set of foreign players they too could prove to be contenders for the top four spots.

5.Al Ahli and Al Wakrah look much improved despite results from first Round
Despite Wakrah losing to Al Arabi, they controlled the game from start till finish. The Waves should stay positive after signs of a cohesive team who can keep possession.

Al Ahli too should take heart after dominating the game against El Jaish despite only earning a draw.