Ghana defender Awal Mohammed is impressed with the intensity of competition in Asia.
The central defender currently plays his club football in oil-rich Saudi Arabia for Al Shabab.
Awal joined the Riyadh-based club barely a month ago but has already established himself as a regular starter for the side.
The 26-year-old impressed on his debut where he managed to tame the prowess of Asamoah Gyan in Al Shababââ¬â¢s draw with Al Ain in their opening group match in this seasonââ¬â¢s Asian Champions League.
Many have however doubted the level of competition in Asia â⬓ with critics regarding itââ¬â¢s as the platform for ageing stars from Europe to cash in on retirement.
But Ghana defender Awal Mohammed has hailed the heightened level of competition in the region â⬓ insisting the level of intensity is always improving.
ââ¬ÅThe level of competition here has impressed me a lot,â⬠the ex Asante Kotoko player told Sportscrusader.
ââ¬ÅI never thought the intensity of the game here was this high â⬓ it is higher than South Africa, no doubt about that.
ââ¬ÅThe wealth of the clubs here makes it possible for them to sign a lot of international players which has raised the standard of the game here.
ââ¬ÅThe Asian Champions League is even richer in terms of quality.
ââ¬ÅAnd this is a football loving country as well so the stadiums are always full.ââ¬