Al-Kholood head coach, Des Buckingham, has lavished praise on Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong, describing him as an exceptional leader whose influence at the club cannot be replaced following his departure.
Troost-Ekong, a former captain of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, joined Al-Kholood from Greek side PAOK in the summer of 2024. However, his stay with the Saudi Pro League outfit proved short-lived, as he completed a transfer to Qatari club Al Ahli SC during the January transfer window. Despite the brief nature of his spell, the centre-back left a lasting impression on both the coaching staff and his teammates.
Speaking during a press conference, Buckingham acknowledged that while the club would naturally seek a replacement in defensive terms, finding someone who could replicate Troost-Ekong’s overall impact would be extremely difficult.
“You can’t replace William, and I don’t want to replace him as a player or as a person,” Buckingham said. “Of course, someone will come in to fill the position on the pitch, but his presence and influence go far beyond that.”
The Al-Kholood manager went on to describe Troost-Ekong as the best captain he has worked with since arriving at the club. According to Buckingham, the Nigerian international’s leadership was evident not only during matches but also in the way he shaped the team’s culture and standards behind the scenes.
He explained that Troost-Ekong played a significant role in helping him settle into life at Al-Kholood, particularly by reinforcing discipline, unity, and professionalism within the squad. The defender’s experience, gained from playing in top European leagues with clubs such as Udinese and Watford, proved invaluable in guiding younger players and fostering a positive environment.
“William was instrumental in helping me adjust quickly and in ensuring that the culture and environment we wanted at the club were maintained,” Buckingham added. “He guided and supported the players throughout the journey, and that kind of leadership is rare.”
As Al-Kholood prepare to move forward without one of their most influential figures, Buckingham emphasized that Troost-Ekong’s contribution will continue to be felt long after his exit.
Troost-Ekong departs the club having played a key role in Al-Kholood’s successful battle to retain their Saudi Pro League status, capping off a productive and impactful chapter in his career before embarking on a new challenge in Qatar.
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