What is the secret behind Ibrahim Bayesh's immunity in the Iraq national team?

Ibrahim Bayesh, the player for the Iraqi national team and Al Erbil, continues to stir controversy with his ongoing regular starting position with the Lions of Mesopotamia over the past years, despite the wealth of players available in the right winger position in Iraq, both among local and professional players.

Since the start of the current season of the Iraqi Premier League 2026-2027, Ibrahim Bayesh, aged 26, has played eight matches in the competition, scoring two goals and assisting four for his teammates at Erbil, where the player is having one of his best seasons.

Iraqi coach Shakir Mahmoud stated in media remarks: "Ibrahim Bayesh's level qualifies him to play as a starter with the Iraqi national team due to his activity and strength on the pitch. Bayesh is the type of player who works hard and you find him everywhere, whether in attack or defense. This type of player is what any coach desires because modern football is not limited to attacking skills only, but also includes defensive duties."

The Iraqi coach stated: "Ibrahim Bayesh has played as a starter under 12 coaches for the Iraqi national team. Is it possible that none of them understand anything about football? Frankly, I believe that the immunity Bayesh enjoys in Iraq is due to the consistent levels he has shown with the clubs he has represented in recent years, most recently with Erbil in the current season, where Ibrahim Bayesh is considered one of the standout stars in the Iraqi Premier League this season."

He stated: "Graham Arnold should be smart and sit Bayesh on the bench in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 because he may not be able to perform well due to the immense pressure he faces from the fans. I hope the fans can distinguish between the player's personal life and his character on the pitch, and therefore, he must be supported to deliver his best performances with the Iraq national team, which will positively reflect on the Lions of Mesopotamia."

After Iraq's participation in the AFC Asian Cup, Ibrahim Bayesh suffered an injury and remained in Saudi Arabia for a period after receiving the green light from the management of Erbil. He has since returned to his team in recent days in preparation for his participation again in the Iraqi Premier League.