Tuesday cover: Douglas out to win over Al Ain fans’ hearts

Al Ain's Douglas is on The National's Sport cover for the Tuesday's September 27 issue, ahead of the Asian Champions League semi-final first leg.

Al Ain's Douglas is on The National's Sport cover for the Tuesday, September 27 issue, ahead of the Asian Champions League semi-final first leg.

The Garden City club are hosting Qatar’s El Jaish in the first leg, and talented yet mercurial Douglas will be key to their chances.

John McAuley writes of the Brazilian:

“Douglas had shown that he does possess the talent, it said. Even when not scoring he still offers much, be it in creating space or chances for colleagues.

“Yet Douglas needs to offer more. For some time, the Brazilian has looked a lost soul up front, a perplexing case, incapable of firing Al Ain’s twin assault for domestic and continental honours.

“It is why he has never truly felt an Al Ain player. It is harsh, given his more than respectable record, especially since he joined the club only in January, parachuted into a side still reeling from the loss of Asamoah Gyan.

“Perhaps it is Al Ain’s expectant fan base, known as the most demanding in the country. Perhaps it is merely that Douglas does have the requisite skill set, he just requires a little more patience, a little more encouragement.

“Perhaps a starring role in the Champions League latter stages would galvanise him.”

Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport