Al Kholood owner Ben Harburg has waxed lyrical about the qualities of Super Eagles skipper William Troost-Ekong, praising the experienced defender for his maturity and leadership within the squad, Footynaija.com reports.
Troost-Ekong joined Al Kholood last summer after a well traveled career in Europe that saw him play for nine different clubs across seven different countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Turkey, Italy, England and Greece.
Since arriving at Saudi Arabia, the Nigeria international has established himself as a vital player for Al Kholood, even going on to become the club’s captain. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Troost-Ekong’s influence is recognized beyond the locker room and all the way up to the club’s hierarchy.
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What Ben Harburg said about William Troost-Ekong
“To have someone like William [Troost-Ekong] on my team is a dream come true. And more importantly, because he’s a tremendous human being,” Harburg told SPL.
“He’s a great leader, he’s very mature, he’s seen everything, he’s played everywhere and, as a club, with the instability and challenge that we’re facing at this handover, is absolutely essential to that.
“So, we certainly spend more time talking with him than most and asking him – which he’s doing – to play this role as a ballast, to stabilize us and balance us during a really challenging time.
“That’s the No.1 thing he provides today, is that maturity and leadership in the locker room. In the future, we’re excited to find ways to activate him and engage with his fans in Nigeria and around the world.”
Troost-Ekong helped Al Kholood to a ninth place finish in the Saudi Pro League last season, making 32 appearances and scoring twice.
The 32-year-old has started in both of Al Kholood’s league games this season and endured two defeats. They’ll be eyeing their first win of the season when they welcome Damac to the Al Hazam Club Stadium on Thursday.
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