The Saudi Pro League’s eight-match saw exciting clashes as the teams battle for the top spots. The Saudi Pro League 2023-2024 session is heating up, with the competition getting tighter and the results more unpredictable. The League, which boasts some of the world’s best players, offers no room for complacency. Here is a look at the team of the week from the Saudi Pro League’s eight-match week:
Marcelo Grohe- Goalkeeper (Al-Ittihad)
Marcelo Grohe has been the topmost goalkeeper of the 2022-23 season. And yet again he had been the topmost goalkeeper until the Gameweek 8 with a total of 5 goals conceded.
Mohammed Al-Khabrani- Defender (Al-Khaleej)
Al-Fayha’s defender Mohammed Al-Khabrani was instrumental in their 2-1 win over Al-Ittihad, who led the table before the game. Al-Khabrani scored the equalizer with a powerful header and also made some vital interceptions and clearances to deny Al-Ittihad’s attackers. Al-Khabrani helped Al-Fayha climb to ninth place with their second win of the season.
Also Read: Saudi Pro League Team of the Week: Game Week 7
Alex Telles- Defender (Al-Nassr)
Alex Telles continued his impressive form as a defender for Al-Nassr, who thrashed AI-Tai 4-0 to extend their winning streak to six games. Telles provided two assists for his teammates, one from a corner and one from a free kick, and also kept a clean sheet with his solid defensive work. Telles has been a key player for Al-Nassr, who are now in second place, just one point behind Al-Hilal.CB: William Saliba (Arsenal).
Hamdan Al-Shamrani- Defender (Al-Ettifaq)
Hamdan Al-Shamrani was once again a standout performer for Al-Ettifaq, who beat Al-Wehda 3-1 to move up to fifth. Al-Shamrani scored his second goal of the season with a stunning volley from outside the box and also assisted another goal with a clever pass. AI- Shamrani has been a consistent threat from the left flank, both in attack and defense.
Mohammed Alburayk- Defender (Al-Hilal)
Mohammed Alburayk was another key player for Al-Hilal in their draw with Al-Shabab, as he assisted Neymar’s penalty with a well-timed cross. Alburayk defended well against Al-Shabab’s wingers, making crucial tackles and blocks. Alburayk has been a reliable defender for Al-Hilal, who are still unbeaten after the eighth game.
Andrei Cordea- Midfielder (Al-Tai)
Andrei Cordea was the show’s star for Al-Taee, who stunned Abha 3-2 with a late comeback. Cordea scored two goals in the last 10 minutes, one from a penalty and one from a header, to turn the game around for his team. Cordea also created some chances for his teammates with his passing and driving skills. Cordera has been a vital player to Al-Taee, who are now in seventh place.
Abderrazak Hamdallah-Midfielder (Al-Ittihad)
Abderrazak Hamdallah was the only scorer for Al-Ittihad in their defeat to Al-Fayha, as he irritated his 10th goal of the season with a clinical finish. Hamadalla also had other opportunities to score but was denied by the goalkeeper or the post. Hamdallah remains the top scorer in the league, but he will need more support from his teammates if Al-Ittihad wants to reclaim their lead.
Salem Aldawsari- Midfielder (Al-Hilal)
Salem Aldawsari was another influential player for the Al-Hilal in their win over Al-Shabad, as he assisted with his pace and skill. Aldawsari opened the scoring with a low shot from inside the box. Aldawsari has been in fine form this season, scoring five goals and providing four assists.
Talisca- Midfielder (Al-Nassr)
Talisca’s performance in game week 8 was tremendous. He has played 4 games as of now and scored 4 goals with 2 assists for Al-Nassr. Through his midfield tactics, Talisca helped Al Nassr to win against Istikol in the AFC Championship League. He’ll try to keep his form for next week’s encounters.
Cristiano Ronaldo- Forward (Al-Nassr)
Cristiano Ronaldo was once again the leading man for Al-Nassr, scoring two goals in their rout of Al-Tai. Ronaldo showed his clinical finishing with a header and a volley, taking his tally to 11 goals in the eighth. Ronaldo also had some other shots on target, but the goalkeeper or the woodwork denied him. Ronaldo is the second top scorer in the league, just one behind Hamdallah.
Neymar- Forward (Al-Hilal)
Neymar was the show’s star as Al-Hilal thrashed Al-Raed 5-0 in Game Week 8 of the Saudi Pro League. The Brazilian forward scored a hat-trick and assisted a goal in a dominant display. He opened the scoring with a curling free-kick in the 12th minute, then doubled the lead with a penalty in the 34th minute. He completed his treble with a tap-in after a brilliant pass from Mitrovic in the 63rd minute. He also set up Al-Shehri for the fifth goal in the 82nd minute. Neymar was named the Man of the Match and earned a place in the Team of the Week.
Top Strikers of The Week: Match Week 8
The Saudi Pro League’s eighth match week saw some spectacular goals from some of the best strikers in the world. The league, which features some of the biggest names in football, offers a lot of entertainment and excitement for the fans. We at Sportsdunia are here to provide you with the top individual performances of Saudi Pro League Match Week 8.
- Cristiano Ronaldo (against Al-Nassr)
- Sadio Mane (against Al-Nassr)
- Abderrazak Hamdallah (against Al-Fayha)
- Neymar (against Al-Shabab)
Match Week 8: Stats to Remember
- Al-Nassr scored four goals in their 4-0 win over Al-Tai, the most by any team in match week 8. They also extended their winning streak to six games, the longest in the league so far.
- Al-Hilal remained unbeaten after eight games but dropped two points in their 1-1 draw with Al-Shabab. They are still at the top of the table, with 20 points, one more than Al-Nassr.
- Al-Faisaly had the most clean sheets in Match Week 8 with two. They beat Al-Fateh 1-0 and Al-Shabab 2-0, keeping their opponents from scoring in both games