Words by Hamoudi Fayad

Arguably the best striker in Asia and still going unlike Mabkhout, it was only performances with the Syrian national team that could have powered him to a higher spot and even a nomination for the AFC Player of the Year Award. A goal getter, set-piece master and an all round bully in the air alongside his unorthodox knack of being technically sound for a big man – he screams the “Syrian Ibrahimovic” at you.

“He scored with his left foot, right foot, back heel, head, chest, volley, off corners, free kicks and penalties. All he’s missing is to score with his hand!!” read a comment by one of his English-speaking fans on FUTHead, the #1 website for FIFA 16’s Ultimate Team game mode. That’s right, he’s gained a large portion of fans from the gaming side of the world for his exploits and continuous acquisition of the game-famous ‘in-form card’.

All Al-Somah missed, as previously mentioned, was national team recognition (apparently for his political views, the red hot striker hasn’t received a single callup in 2015, and has reportedly been lured by Saudi Arabia and Qatar) and a record of silverware with Al-Ahli. A team very well built under Christian Gross, it was unfortunate for them to lose the league title while undefeated and exit the Asian Champions League in the Round of 16.

Highlight of the Year: Knocking Al-Nassr down with a hat-trick. Twice

Omar Al-Somah was so close to helping Al-Ahli to a league title for the first time in more than 30 years, when they beat the leaders and ultimate champions Al-Nassr 4-3 courtesy to his super hat-trick in that match. A match that will be underrated due to Al-Ahli’s failure to capitalize on the league title. Will his another hat-trick against the reigning champions, registered this past October, bear sweeter fruit for the Invincibles?