The 2023-24 season of the Saudi Pro League was a whirlwind of high-profile signings, record-breaking goal scorers, and unexpected disappointments. Let’s delve deeper into the drama that unfolded:
Riyadh dominated the season with Al-Hilal cruising to their 19th title, fueled by a historic 34-game winning streak across all competitions. Their secret weapon? A potent mix of established stars (Aleksandar Mitrovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic) and shrewd acquisitions (Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly). Even the absence of the injured Neymar couldn’t derail their dominance.
Across town, Al-Nassr, despite boasting Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and a revamped defense, fell short. Ronaldo, however, claimed the Golden Boot with a record-breaking 35 goals, showcasing his enduring goal-scoring prowess despite a couple of red card suspensions.
The ‘Big Four’ Shuffle
Al-Ahli secured the final Asian Champions League spot with Riyad Mahrez and Allan Saint-Maximin weaving magic on the wings. Roberto Firmino eventually found his footing, but the most prolific Saudi scorer was Firas Al-Buraikan.
Al-Ittihad, the previous season’s champions under Nuno Santo, were a major letdown. Big-name signings like Karim Benzema, Fabinho, and N’Golo Kante failed to solidify their defense or recapture their winning form.
Beyond the Big Money
Average attendances remained modest, with only the ‘Big Four’ surpassing 10,000. New boutique stadiums opened in Dammam and Riyadh, but filling them consistently remains a challenge.
Mid-table Battles and Liverpool Echoes
Six-time champions Al-Shabab, despite adding Ivan Rakitic to their ranks, finished a disappointing eighth. Al-Taawoun impressed in fourth but lack the financial muscle to compete for the title.
At Ettifaq, Steven Gerrard’s first season was a rollercoaster. While they finished just one place higher than the previous year, performances improved with Gini Wijnaldum adding midfield muscle. Jack Hendry played every minute, while Moussa Dembele provided the firepower.
Looking Ahead: More Money, More Stars?
The rumor mill is already churning, with Mohamed Salah, Allison, and Casemiro potentially joining the Saudi spending spree. Will this influx of talent translate to on-field success and propel the league to a global stage?
One thing’s for sure – the Saudi Pro League is a league on the rise, determined to challenge the established order with its unique blend of financial muscle, established stars, and rising local talent. But can it overcome the challenges of attendance, squad depth, and on-field consistency to truly become a force to be reckoned with? Only time will tell.
Conclusion
The 2023-24 Saudi Pro League season was a fascinating experiment in ambition and big money signings. While Al-Hilal’s dominance and Ronaldo’s goal-scoring feats grabbed the headlines, the overall picture is one of mixed results.
The league undeniably took a significant step forward with its financial clout, attracting world-class players and raising its global profile. However, questions remain about squad balance, fan engagement, and competitive depth beyond the ‘Big Four’.
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