After scoring a brace against Pitso Mosimane's Esteghlal FC on Monday night, England international Ivan Toney issued a bold statement.
Mosimane took charge of his sixth game as Esteghlal boss, coming up against his former Saudi Arabian employers, Al Ahli, in the Asian Champions League on Monday.
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The two sides played out a 2-2 draw, with the Iranian team securing a point away from home against a star-studded side featuring the likes of Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, Franck Kessie and Toney.
Toney has been the subject of criticism recently due to his underwhelming tally of just three goals in nine Saudi Pro League matches since his arrival at the club from Brentford in a deal worth €42 million (R799 million).
His form in the Asian Champions League has been slightly better, with the two penalties he scored against Mosimane's team this week taking his goal tally to four in six games.
After the match, Toney addressed the criticism he has been facing, boldly admitting that he had struggled with his confidence.
"I came here with a different style and rhythm. Sometimes I did not score, but I was creating and helping the team," he told Goal Arabia.
"Yes, many judge the striker by the goals, but I help the team by creating and moving in spaces.
"My level was not that bad; I just needed confidence. A striker's confidence is gained with the passing of matches and scoring goals, and I always made sure to do that."
Al Ahli sit at the top of Group B in the Asian Champions League with 16 points, while Esteghlal are eighth with just five points.
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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