Is Saudi Pro League Really Better Than MLS? Latest Rankings Prove Cristiano Ronaldo Wrong Despite Al Nassr & Al Hilal’s Domination

Despite boasting the MLS’ best star-studded roster, Inter Miami got crippled by Saudi League giants in the Riyadh Season Cup. First, Al Hilal outclassed Miami 4-3. Then, Al Nassr demolished Lionel Messi and co. 6-0, despite playing without Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane. Ronaldo had earlier claimed that the Saudi Pro League was better than MLS in terms of quality. And Inter Miami’s recent losses in Riyadh seem to convince fans that the Al Nassr skipper was right. However, it is not safe to say CR7 was right. The latest Opta rankings have a different story to tell.

Similar to Inter Miami, other MLS clubs too are yet to match Al Hilal and Al Nassr. But what about other Saudi clubs? They seem to lose spectacularly to their MLS counterparts in the power rankings.

Disparity in ranking of Saudi clubs and MLS clubs might disappoint Cristiano Ronaldo

. Saudi Pro League Clubs rankings

. MLS Clubs rankings

See the drastic disparity in the rankings. Five MLS clubs outrank Saudi Arabia’s third-best side Al Ittihad, which houses a superstar of Karim Benzema‘s stature. Besides, the majority (16 of 28) of MLS clubs are ranked under the 300 mark. Whereas in Saudi, 14 of 18 clubs are ranked below the 300 mark. Hence, the aforementioned Opta Rankings show the MLS altogether is better than the SPL, unlike what Cristiano Ronaldo thinks. But CR7’s claim is no big surprise considering how MLS’ most popular side Inter Miami has plummeted lately.

Inter Miami is marred by struggles, despite their star signings

On the back of their star-packed roster, Inter Miami is widely touted as the best MLS club out there. But Opta rankings tend to overlook the fact that Miami is home to Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. The Herons’ pre-season matches have only added insult to their injury. They lost three out of four matches and drew one. Their rivals in Riyadh scored goals as if it were some video game. Inter Miami conceded 10 goals in two matches against Al Hilal and Al Nassr.

READ MORE: Al Nassr Extends Cristiano Ronaldo’s Housing Contract in Saudi Arabia as He Commits Future to the Club

This shows David Beckham’s team’s lack of a solid defensive third. Miami focused on bringing in a forward like Suarez and a midfielder like Julian Gressel this transfer season. Had they gone bullish on a center-back for a change, they could have conceded less against the Saudi sides. So, Messi’s Miami could only aspire to be any closer to Ronaldo’s Al Nassr for the time being. But league-wise, La Pulga is indeed coming from a more competitive space.

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