The stage is set for a tantalizing Saudi Pro League showdown as Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al-Nassr is set to lock horns with Karim Benzema-led Al-Ittihad. While the prospect of witnessing two modern-day soccer legends and former teammates go head-to-head is enough to buzz fans, a deeper narrative evolves beneath the surface. Ahead of the crucial clash, a voice has risen that casts doubt on Al-Ittihad players’ ‘ambition’ and sporting mentality.
Despite boasting a squad adorned with Champions League winners, Al-Ittihad has stumbled through the season. Their performances have now left fans and pundits wondering if the players mask a deeper lack of hunger. Let’s delve deeper into this latest development.
Saudi legend’s bold claims on Karim Benzema and the Ittihad squad
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The season has been anything but smooth for Al-Ittihad. Currently sitting at the sixth position in the league, the defending Saudi champions seem to have lost the winning formula. And now, amidst this unexpected slump, the club’s former legend and Saudi soccer star, Mohammed Noor, has sounded the alarm. Noor, who dedicated a major share of his career to Al-Ittihad, recently made a bold claim about the team’s downward spiral.
🎙️Mohammed Noor (légende d’Al Ittihad et du football saoudien) :
« Al Hilal a signé avec des joueurs qui ont de l'ambition et qui veulent remporter des titres, contrairement aux joueurs d'Al Ittihad. » 😬
(@SBA_sport) pic.twitter.com/TLUxLjVTqQ
— SPL 🇸🇦 (@ActuSPL) December 24, 2023
The 45-year-old professional questioned the club’s player acquisition strategy, drawing a sharp contrasting parallel with rivals Al-Hilal. Mohammed Noor asserted that the players signed by Al-Hilal are passionate and carry the ambition to win the games, whereas, Al-Ittihad lacks this quality. Despite boasting the names of European champions Karim Benzema, Ngolo Kante, and Fabinho, Noor’s critical assessment raises eyebrows.
Al-Ittihad has struggled to find consistency throughout the season. Three 3-1 losses in their last four games serve as stark reminders of their shortcomings. It raises doubts about whether the individual brilliance of their star players can overcome collective problems. As Ronaldo eyes the top-scorer spot this year, it’ll be an interesting challenge for Karim Benzema & Co. to overcome this latest hurdle.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s pursuit of glory
The Portuguese talisman is in hot pursuit of claiming the top-scorer spot for 2023. With 51 goals already scored, Ronaldo is just behind current leaders Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane, both sitting at 52 goals. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is also quite close with 50 goals under his name.
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As both PSG and Bayern Munich will not play until next year, the race now remains in the hands of Ronaldo and Haaland. Al-Nassr and Manchester City will play two more games before 2023 ends, and the race now intensifies for the top spot.
Will Benzema’s brilliance be enough to guide Al-Ittihad to victory and silence their doubters? Or will Ronaldo’s insatiable hunger for goals propel Al-Nassr to victory and make him the top-scorer of the year? Only time will tell. However, one thing is certain: the upcoming clash promises to be a thrilling encounter.
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