The last line of Fathi's profile is interesting he plays for Egypt "where he usually starts at right-back over Ahmed Elmohamady."
So they think he is better than Elmo?
If he is then he must be one hell of a player
It's not entirely correct that he has priority over Elmo in the national team. Under previous coach Hassan Shehata, Fathy used to start as a DMF and Elmo would play at RWB in a 3-5-2 formation, so the coach was making use of both regularly. Now, with Bob Bradley coaching, we're playing 4 at the back, and we have very good other options in the DMF position so both Fathy and Elmo compete for RB. We've only had four official matches under Bradley (World Cup and AFCON qualifiers back in June last year). It's difficult to say who was the starter of preference in the slew of friendlies we played otherwise (Elmo may have had a slight edge), but in those 4 games, Elmo started two, one of which he played 45min, and Fathy started two and played half as Elmo's sub.
Thing is, they're very different players. Fathy is a better dribbler, has more fancy tricks and goes for the riskier but potentially more useful passes... He's also more aggressive (more hot-blooded too), more physical, has a higher work rate, great stamina, and he's an exemplary fighter who'll give his all at all times. Also very strong defensively but will often get booked.
Elmo is a much better crosser on the other hand. Fathy
can make good crosses, but he's far from consistent there. He can cross the ball to the clouds as well as send an outstanding ball in. You just never know.
Anyway, I suppose you all know Elmo by now, but to continue, I just see him as being a safer, more accurate and pragmatic player overall. His pace is great when there's space for a sudden run, but if you want a faster rythm to your game in terms of decision-making, one-touch play, one-two's, dribbling out of tight spots, etc, Fathy is the man for it.
Depends on what you're looking for, really. I personally prefer Fathy.