Twenty year old keeper Yousef Hassan impressing for Al Gharafa

As the QSL season is making way for international games, QSL online has decided to highlight the talents of a young player who has made an impact for their side in the opening games of the season. Today, we are highlighting Al Gharafa’s 20 year old goalkeeper Yousef Hassan. All of the statistics used in the story have been supplied by the Stats Company, the QSL’s official statistical partner.

 Firstly it’s important to note that Hassan has played every minute for the cheetahs this season, clocking up 576 minutes in goal for Pedro Caixina’s side. Particularly impressive at just 20 years old

Hassan perhaps didn’t make the best start to the season conceding a few goals. However with Gharafa improving defensively in recent weeks, Hassan picked up his first clean sheet of the season in Al Gharafa’s 2-0 win over Al Wakrah in round six. Hassan’s assured performances in goal have caught the eye of the Qatar U23 team, with the youngster set to have a starting role in the upcoming friendly match against Oman.

Over the course of the season Hassan has averaged three saves per game, underlining his ability even when he is rarely called upon.  Likewise the young keeper has shown his ability with the ball at his feet, averaging 8.3 touches per game the second highest figure in the league. This will be good news for head coach Pedro Caixina who insists that his Gharafa side play possession football at times to control the game.

In terms of distance from goal kicks Hassan has registered an average kicking distance of 38 meters, a figure which is right up with more established keepers in the QSL. Whilst in terms of throwing the ball Hassan averages 26 meters, again a figure which is in line with other keepers in the QSL.

Overall Hassan’s start to the season has averaged a high 60.1% save success ratio and an average rating of 58.3 per game. Al Gharafa fans will be hoping for more of the same from the young keeper when The Cheetahs take on Al Arabi on Saturday evening at Al Gharafa stadium.