Al Ittihad: The Two-Time AFC Champions League Winners
Al-Ittihad is often regarded as one of the most successful clubs domestically and continentally. They have won the AFC Champions League twice consecutively, a feat achieved by only three Asian clubs. Domestically, they are the second most successful club in Saudi Arabia, boasting 8 national league titles, 9 King’s Cup titles, 8 Crown Prince Cup titles, and 3 Saudi Federation Cup titles. Their impressive resume includes a Gulf Cup and Arab Champions League title as well.
Al Ahli: A Dominant Force in Saudi Football
Al Ahli is known as one of the most successful clubs in Saudi Arabia, with a record 3 Saudi Professional League titles, 13 King’s Cup victories, 6 Crown Prince Cup titles, a General League Shield, and a Saudi Super Cup. Internationally, they have clinched a GCC Champions League and an Arab Club Championship. They were the first Saudi Arabian club to win the league and King’s Cup in the same season, achieving this remarkable feat twice in 1978 and 2016.
Al Hilal: A Saudi Football Giant
Al Hilal boasts an illustrious history in Saudi Arabian football, holding a staggering 18 Saudi Pro League titles, 4 AFC Champions League victories, and two Asian Cup Winners’ Cup triumphs. Despite finishing third in the Saudi Pro League last season, Al Hilal remains a formidable force with an impressive track record.
Al Nassr: Rich Football Heritage
Founded in 1955, Al Nassr is the most decorated club in Saudi Arabia, with 9 national league championships, 6 domestic cups, and numerous other honors. The club is currently under the guidance of the highly reputed European coach, Luis Castro, adding a touch of international expertise.
Let’s delve into the star-studded lineups of both teams:
Al Ittihad Lineup:
Karim Benzema
Jota
Romarinho
Abdurzak Hamdallah
Fabinho
N’Golo Kanté
Igor Coronado
Marcelo Grohe
Al Ahli Lineup:
Allan Saint-Maximin
Riyad Mahrez
Roberto Firmino
Gabriel Veiga
Franck Kessié
Ryad Boudebouz
Robin Tihi
Roger Ibañez
Merih Demiral
Ezdjan Alijoski
Murad Mohammed·Khadhari
Edouard Mendy
Al Nassr Lineup:
Cristiano Ronaldo
Marcelo Brozovic
Aymeric Laporte
Alex Telles
Wesley Fofana
Otavio
Sadio Mane
Anderson Talisca
Al Hilal Lineup:
Neymar Jr.
Malcom
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
Ruben Neves
Aleksandar Mitrovic
Kalidou Koulibaly
Aleksandar Mitrović
Michael Oliveira
Based on the lineups of these clubs, let’s analyze which team is the strongest among the top four and assess the tactical strategies that can be applied, considering the strengths and weaknesses of each player.
Let’s analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each of the top four Saudi Arabian clubs based on their lineups:
Al Ittihad:
Strengths:
Impressive attacking options with Karim Benzema and Jota.
Strong midfield duo of Fabinho and N’Golo Kanté for control and ball-winning.
Reliable goalkeeper in Marcelo Grohe.
Weaknesses:
Defensive vulnerabilities, especially against skilled opponents.
Potential lack of creativity in midfield.
Al Ahli:
Strengths:
A formidable attacking trio of Allan Saint-Maximin, Riyad Mahrez, and Roberto Firmino.
Strong midfield presence with Franck Kessié and Ryad Boudebouz.
A balanced and experienced defense.
Weaknesses:
Relatively weaker goalkeeper options.
Defensive consistency can be an issue.
Al Nassr:
Strengths:
Cristiano Ronaldo, a global football icon, adds incredible firepower to the attack.
Solid midfield presence with Marcelo Brozovic and Otavio.
A mix of experienced and talented players across positions.
Weaknesses:
Potential adaptation challenges for European players in the Saudi league.
Defensive stability can be a concern.
Al Hilal:
Strengths:
Neymar Jr. and Malcom bring flair and creativity to the team.
Strong midfield presence with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Ruben Neves.
Solid defensive line with Kalidou Koulibaly.
Weaknesses:
Lack of a top-class striker in the lineup.
Inconsistent defensive performances.
In summary, Al Ittihad boasts a well-balanced midfield and attack but may have defensive vulnerabilities. Al Ahli has a potent attacking trio but may need to improve defensive consistency. Al Nassr’s star power in Cristiano Ronaldo adds significant strength, but adaptation could be a challenge. Al Hilal has creative midfield options but may need to address the absence of a top-class striker. Each team has its unique strengths and weaknesses, making the competition in the Saudi Arabian league highly intriguing.
