Ghana defender Awal Mohammed impressed by intense competition in Asia

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 Shabab's draw with Al Ain in their opening group match in this season's Asian Champions League.

Many have however doubted the level of competition in Asia – with critics regarding it'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 – insisting the level of intensity is always improving.

“The level of competition here has impressed me a lot,” the ex Asante Kotoko player told Sportscrusader.

“I never thought the intensity of the game here was this high – it is higher than South Africa, no doubt about that.

“The 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.

“The Asian Champions League is even richer in terms of quality.

“And this is a football loving country as well so the stadiums are always full.”