When Ahly surrendered the Egyptian Premier League title to arch-rivals Zamalek last season, they really missed someone who can slice open opposing backlines even when his team are suffering.

Ramadan Sobhi, an18-year-old teenager, is providing that spark this term as the league leaders bid for a ninth title in 10 seasons after a disappointing campaign that saw Zamalek end their hegemony.

They face third-from-bottom Ittihad El-Shorta on Sunday with the aim of going nine points clear at the top until chasers Zamalek play Ismaily on Monday.

Sobhi, who can operate as a winger or playmaker, has been key in settling many matches in Ahly's favour, thanks to his skills and physique which made him a fan darling; especially that he is a product of the club's youth academy.

He outshone Ahly's summer recruits with some outstanding displays. Although he only scored three goals and dished out four assists in 18 league appearances, his contribution is evident in almost every attacking attempt.

Sobhi slows down the tempo when needed, transmits the ball rapidly with swift dribbles in breakaways and is nearly unstoppable in one-on-ones.

He was one of Egypt's best performers when he created a goal for Mohamed Salah in a vital 1-1 draw away to Nigeria before scoring the solitary goal which gave the Pharaohs a 1-0 home win over the Super Eagles to put them on the verge of reaching next year's African Cup of Nations in Gabon.

"If Sobhi receives any offers, coach Martin Jol will have the final say," Ahly's football director Sayed Abdel-Hafiz said on Saturday, denying rumours that Belgian giants Anderlecht have tabled a bid to sign him.

Ahly will miss Malick Evouna against Ittihad El-Shorta after he failed to arrive in Cairo in time for the game after taking part in two friendly matches with Nations Cup hosts Gabon. The club also said they would impose heavy fine on him.

Regular goalkeeper Sherif Ekramy and versatile midfielder Saleh Gomaa are also out due to injury. 

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