Michael Olunga hails blooming partnership with Al Duhail's new Ksh1.4 billion acquisition from Lazio

Michael Olunga celebrating a goal with his teammates during a friendly against Hungary's Kisvarda FC. © Al Duhail

Michael Olunga hails blooming partnership with Al Duhail's new Ksh1.4 billion acquisition from Lazio

Festus Chuma 14:00 - 16.07.2024

Michael Olunga praises his partnership with a former Liverpool midfielder after both scored in a friendly for Al Duhail.

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has openly praised his burgeoning partnership with Spanish midfielder Luis Alberto, following their impressive performance in a recent friendly match in Austria.

The duo shone brightly for Qatar Stars League club Al Duhail during a 3-1 victory over Hungary's Kisvarda FC with both players making crucial contributions to the scoreline.

Olunga, who has been a key figure for Al Duhail since joining, demonstrated his skill set by not only scoring but also providing an assist for Alberto's goal.

The game marked one of the first few instances where the Kenyan striker and the former Liverpool player have teamed up, suggesting a promising synergy in their playing styles.

"Luis Alberto x Ogada Olunga," Olunga posted on his social media, alongside celebratory images from the match and their training sessions.

This simple yet profound message underscores the mutual respect and camaraderie developing between the two.

Luis Alberto, who transitioned to Al Duhail in June under a lucrative contract valid until 2027, has quickly found his footing.

His annual €8 million (Ksh 1.2 billion) salary supplemented by bonuses reflects the high expectations placed upon him.

The midfielder’s arrival for a transfer fee rumored to be around € 10 million Ksh (1.4billion) part of which benefited his former club Liverpool was a significant investment by the Qatari side.

During his tenure with Italy's Lazio Alberto notched 52 goals across 307 appearances, also clinching two Supercoppa Italiana titles and a Coppa Italia.

His experience and skill are expected to elevate Al Duhail's gameplay which faltered last season as they finished sixth and went without a trophy.

Meanwhile, Olunga has been a consistent performer himself.

Last season, he finished fourth in the Golden Boot race with 16 goals, though he fell short of the top scorer, Akram Afif's 26 goals.

The Kenyan's ability to find the back of the net remains undiminished and his partnership with Alberto could potentially boost his scoring tally.

Al Duhail's preseason campaign includes a series of friendlies designed to solidify team strategies and integrate new players like Alberto effectively.

The Red Knights are scheduled to face Austria's SK Sturm Graz, the United Arab Emirates' Ittihad Kalba, and two teams from Saudi Arabia, Al Khaleej and Damac FC, by the end of July.

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