Title: Ramin Rezaeian’s Position at Esteghlal: A Tactical Dilemma for Coach Sá Pinto
A Cyclical Form for a Star Player
The status of Ramin Rezaeian at Esteghlal FC continues to follow an unpredictable path. The national team star’s performances have been a study in contrasts: in one match, he is a fixed presence, delivering crucial passes and goals, while in another, his contributions are questioned by the team’s technical staff, including head coach Sá Pinto. This ongoing situation saw Rezaeian start on the bench once again in the recent match against Mas, a decision that appears increasingly justified by the team’s positive results and the strong form of his replacements.
The Rise of a Reliable Alternative
Prior to the match against Mas in the seventh week of the Persian Gulf Pro League, many anticipated that Rezaeian would reclaim his starting spot following his return from national team duty. However, the outstanding performance of Saleh Hardani dramatically altered all predictions. Hardani delivered a robust and tenacious defensive display while also making repeated, effective offensive incursions, consistently creating numerical advantages for Esteghlal on the right flank.
His excellent form, combined with that of his teammates, has solidified a dependable partnership on the right side of the pitch. This newfound stability has given Coach Sá Pinto little reason to consider changes in that area of the field.
A Shifting Hierarchy in the Squad
Following his fluctuating performance in the match against Bahrain’s Al-Muharraq, Ramin Rezaeian has not been featured in the starting lineup. Given the current circumstances, a swift return to the first eleven now seems unlikely. The Esteghlal technical staff has expressed full satisfaction with Hardani’s readiness and high level of fitness, establishing him as one of the trusted figures in Coach Sá Pinto’s core lineup.
Notably, Hardani had recently returned from an injury but still managed to deliver a confident and assured performance. This resilience further solidifies his position and suggests that Rezaeian’s path back to a starting role may be more challenging than ever.