Al Nassr Stars Blamed for Cristiano Ronaldo Being “Always Offside”

They say one player alone can make a lot of difference. But at times, even that game-changing piece requires support from a solid group. Though Cristiano Ronaldo may be a one-man show, soccer is a team sport, and even the Portuguese superstar relies on his other 10 teammates to be his backbone. However, it seems that this support is lacking within his Al Nassr comrades, who are now under scrutiny for repeatedly exposing CR7 to offside traps due to their habit of playing the ball ‘late.’

This may surprise many but since Ronaldo’s move to the Riyadh club, there may not be a single match, where he hasn’t been ruled offside. In fact, renowned Saudi Arabian analyst Imad Al-Salmi had a reason why it has become a reoccurring event. In a video shared by an X account @isat_td, Al-Salmi said, “The local players play the ball late & that’s why Ronaldo is always offside, meanwhile Otavio is fast to pass the ball & Ronaldo gets it at the right time.” 

Aside from Otavio, it appears that all the Knight of Najd stars are slow in their decision-making process when setting up Ronaldo. Being the leader of the front line, it is expected that the remaining 10 players at the back assist their 39-year-old goal-scorer better. However, Luis Castro’s men have often failed in this regard. On the other hand, it’s good within a year since his arrival, Otavio has forged a remarkable on-pitch chemistry with his countryman. But how can others do it as well?

Perhaps quick thinking and the ability to move the ball faster will help the other Al Nassr stars deliver sufficiently to their skipper. In fact, they shall look towards speeding up to improve this con, otherwise, they might end up trophyless this season. 

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr must buckle up to end the season on a high note

Domestically, things are quite cramped for Al Nassr. Speaking of the Roshn Saudi League, they are sitting in second place with 71 points. The Yellow and Blue army is nine points behind leader Al Hilal. Additionally, the Blues Waves also have a game in hand, with six games remaining to play until they are crowned champions. 

Hope is the only savior for Luis Castro’s side to have any chance in the league. Yet, for now, the chances are slim, with Jorge Jesus’ side running as frontrunners. In order to avoid a trophyless season, Al Nassr only has the Kings Cup of Champions to win, after they had endured shocking exits from the AFC Champions League and the Saudi Super Cup. 

Let’s see how Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates end their 2023-24 domestic campaign, while simultaneously improving their ability to avoid leaving CR7 stranded during offside situations.