Cristiano Ronaldo has been essential for Al-Nassr in their bid to win the Saudi Pro League. The Riyadh-based club is currently second in the league table after a rough start to the season. Meanwhile, Al-Hilal manager, Jorge Jesus, has raised some doubts about their biggest competition in the league, Al-Nassr.
Al-Hilal boss is managing his team without his star player Neymar Jr. who suffered a crucial ligament tear back in October. In a press conference, Jesus pondered whether the other teams in the league can manage without their star players: “I want to see what would become of Al Nassr without Ronaldo, of Al Ahli without Mahrez, of Al Ittihad without Benzema. If we had Neymar, we would be much stronger.”
The statement fits accurately in the case of Al-Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo has been dragging the team in the league and the continental tournament. The Riyadh-based club suffered two back-to-back losses at the start of the season. However, Ronaldo picked the form up and helped the Riyadh side to an undefeated streak of 12 matches, where they won 11 matches and drew only one.
I want to see Al Hilal without their 12th player. Can they compete ?
— CR1000 (@CR7roadto1000) December 10, 2023
Their third loss of the season came on match day 15 of the Saudi Pro League. Al-Hilal dominated Al-Nassr with a 3-0 scoreline to extend their lead at the top. Al-Hilal has a seven-point lead at the top with 44 points in 16 games. They are undefeated in the league, which should be credited to Jorge Jesus, who has managed the team even without Neymar Jr.
🚨Jorge Jesus (Al Hilal coach): “I want to see Al-Nassr without Cristiano Ronaldo. Can they compete?.” pic.twitter.com/5fW6qg8XfZ
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) December 10, 2023
The online reaction from the fans pointed fingers at Jesus by claiming that Al-Hilal had been favored by the referees. Comments like “I want to see Al Hilal without their 12th player. Can they compete”? “I want to see all Hilal without their universal 12th player who always plays in a refree dress,” “I want to see Al Hilal without refree..can they compete”? and “Tell him: I hope see the hilal without the judge,” echoed the sentiments of the fans.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been sensational for Al-Nassr in the 2023/24 season
Ronaldo has been sensational in his second season with Al-Nassr. The Portuguese striker has scored 16 goals and eight assists in 15 appearances in the Saudi Pro League. He has scored on 11 occasions for the Riyadh side in the league, including three braces and a hat trick.
Ronaldo currently leads the scoring charts in the league, ahead of Aleksandar Mitrović of Al-Hilal (14 goals). The Portuguese is also joint leader in assists charts with eight assists. He is joined by Álvaro Medrán of Al-Taawounat at the top.
🚨Sadio Mane: “We are lucky that we are training with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.” pic.twitter.com/bqasD3zc7E
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) December 9, 2023
Al-Nassr’s head coach, Luis Castro has also talked about the overall impact of Ronaldo. The Portuguese manager stated: “He [Ronaldo] has a lot of focus on everyday football. He transmits a contagious energy to the game and his teammates. The day-to-day training, recovery, is fantastic.”
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in January 2023 after a disappointing second spell at Manchester United. In 12 months, the Portuguese have elevated the levels at the club on and off the field. The impressive performances have prompted the club to work for a new deal for the Portuguese superstar.
Looking forward, Al-Nassr has three league fixtures left in 2023. They will face Al-Ittihad, Al-Ettifaq, and Al-Taawoun in the last nine days of December. They cannot afford to drop any more points in these matches to keep up Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.