Full Name: Mahmoud Alaa Eldin
Position: Defender - Centre-Back
Date of Birth: Jan 28, 1991
Current club: Zamalek SC
Age: 28
Height:1,89m
Foot: right
Mahmoud Alaa has been one of the big hits in the Egyptian Premier League this season.
Having joined Zamalek from Wadi Degla in the summer of 2017, Alaa established himself as a key defender in the heart of the White Knights' backline.
However, he gained fame this season not because of his tackles or crucial clearances but for his goals.
The 28-year old scored 17 goals this season in all competitions, climbing to the top of the team's scoring chart ahead of attacking midfielders and strikers.
A penalty specialist who also possesses excellent heading skills, he netted some crucial goals for Zamalek, including converting a spot kick that leveled the aggregate score in the CAF Confederation final against Morocco's RS Berkane, with the Cairo side eventually winning the title in the shootout.
Alaa made his debut with Egypt in 2012 under American coach Bob Bradley, playing two friendlies.
Last March, Alaa was called up for a friendly against Nigeria, one of Egypt's few warm-ups for the Nations Cup.
He may not be a regular choice in coach Javier Aguirre's lineup as Baher El-Mohamadi and Ahmed Hegazi have forged a fine partnership in defence, but he would be the first option on the bench.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)