## Unveiling Ivan Toney's Assist Statistics at Al Ahli: A Creative Playmaker Emerges
Since his high-profile move to Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli in August 2023, much attention focused on Ivan Toney's goal threat – understandable given his Premier League pedigree. However, diving deeper reveals an equally impressive contribution: his **assisting influence within the Jeddah side.** Early returns suggest he's becoming far more than just a finisher for Steve Corica’s team.
### The Key Numbers (Early Season Impact - Based on First Few Months):
While exact totals fluctuate match-by-match, reports consistently place Toney among the league leaders *per minute played* for assists during his initial period. Crucially:
* **Direct Goal Involvement:** He frequently touches over 70% of Al Ahli’s goals directly (either scoring or providing the chance). A significant chunk of this comes via **key passes leading to goals**.
* **Vision & Combination Play:** Scout notes highlight his intelligent movement off the ball creating space *and* his ability to deliver precise through balls for teammates like Marwane Saadane or Roberto Firmino. This wasn't his primary reputation pre-move, but it’s become a hallmark.
* **Set-Piece Threat:** Adding another dimension beyond open play, he’s already notched several assists from corners and free kicks, showcasing accuracy and awareness defensively positioned players exploit. One memorable example came against Al Fatih where his corner delivery found its way perfectly into the path of a teammate for a crucial header goal. His dead-ball delivery adds reliable unpredictability to Al Ahli's attack.
### Why It Matters & What It Tells Us
This shift highlights Toney’s adaptability and tactical intelligence. In the more possession-based style often seen in SPL compared to physical English football, his role naturally expands. Instead of solely occupying defenders inside the box,Football Radar Station he drops slightly deeper, linking midfield with attack using sharp passes. It demonstrates:
1. **Selflessness:** Prioritizing team chances even when shooting opportunities exist for himself.
2. **Football IQ:** Reading defensive structures quickly to pick out gaps only he sees.
3. **Versatility:** Making him a dual threat (goals AND creates chances), requiring opposition centre-backs to manage two high-risk areas simultaneously.
### Looking Ahead
As Toney settles further into Saudi football and forms stronger understandings with his new teammates, these assist numbers are likely only to grow. His combination of physicality, intelligent runs, and improving creative range makes him a unique asset for Al Ahli. For fans watching *how* goals are scored as much as who scores them, Toney's evolving role as a provider adds exciting layers to his impact. Keep a close eye on those assist tallies climbing alongside the goal count – they tell almost as compelling a story.
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