Ones To Watch: The Saudi stars set to shine after 2023-24 RSL restart

Finally, after a hiatus for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, the Roshn Saudi League returns this weekend with players refreshed and ready to go for the second half of the season.

With so much still to play for this campaign, there will be no shortage of entertainment and drama over the coming weeks and months, and at the heart of it all are the players on the pitch.

We’ve selected 10 of the best Saudi Arabian talent to keep an eye on over the remainder of the RSL season.

Salem Al Dawsari - Al Hilal

It goes without saying that the reining AFC Player of the Year is one to watch for Al Hilal, as they look to keep their perfect record alive at the top of the table.

An integral part of their attack, with nine goals and two assists to his name, he remains one of the most dangerous attackers in Asia, let alone the RSL.

Abdulrahman Ghareeb - Al Nassr

The diminutive winger has been in excellent form for Al Nassr this season, and he continued that form with the national team at the AFC Asian Cup.

While it was ultimately a disappointing campaign for the Green Falcons, Ghareeb was one of the shining lights in attack and scored one of the goals of the tournament against Oman.

Abdullah Radif - Al Shabab

Powerful and athletic, the 21-year-old looks set to become one of the main striking options for Saudi Arabia over the next decade.

Radif returns to Al Shabab, who are under new coach Vitor Pereira, full of confidence after making a mark at the Asian Cup, with his goal against Korea Republic almost winning the Round of 16 clash for his national team.

Faisal Al Ghamdi - Al Ittihad

The 22-year-old joined Al Ittihad from Al Ettifaq this season and has a big future ahead of him. A composed figure in central midfield, he is another who impressed when given the chance at the Asian Cup.

Getting to work alongside, and learn from, the likes of N’Golo Kante and Fabinho can only be good for his development.

Feras Al Buraikan - Al Ahli

Still only 23, the Al Ahli marksman remains Saudi Arabia’s leading striker, hitting double figures again this season for the third season in a row - 11 goals (four coming before his move from Al Fateh).

Having earned the trust of Al Ahli’s German tactician, Matthias Jaissle, Al Buraikan has an important role to play for the Jeddah outfit as they look to close in on the top two, Al Hilal and Al Nassr, ahead of them in the standings.

Ali Lajami - Al Nassr

The 27-year-old central defender was another to walk away from the Asian Cup with his reputation enhanced. His display against Korea Republic, in particular, caught the eye for the way he was able to thwart such a star-studded attack.

Lajami will surely only improve playing alongside Aymeric Laporte, the Spain international, and treble-winner last season with Manchester City.

Eid Al Muwallad - Al Okhdood

Part of a new generation of Saudi talent, Al Muwallad was a surprise inclusion in Roberto Mancini’s squad for the Asian Cup. While this side are battling relegation, he has been a standout for Al Okhdood this season.

What’s more, the fact that Mancini turned to the 22-year-old at such a crucial time in their clash with Korea Republic shows the faith others have in him.

Abbas Al Hassan - Al Fateh

The 19-year-old has been a revelation for Al Fateh this season, as they continue to take it to the league’s big boys. His talent has been known for some time: his debut in 2021 made him the youngest player to compete in the RSL.

Al Hassan, meanwhile, also made his national team bow at the tail end of 2023, signalling an extremely bright future for the central midfielder.

Haroune Camara - Ettifaq

The 26-year-old striker has been on the fringes of the national team for a number of years, but has never quite managed to nail down a spot for club or country.

After finding opportunities limited at Al Ittihad, he recently joined Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq on loan for the remainder of the season. With opportunities likely to be more forthcoming in Dammam, we should hopefully see the best from Camara.

Muath Faqeehi - Al Taawoun

The left-back, on loan from Al Hilal, has been impressive this season for surprise package Al Taawoun, and was even named Young Player of the Month back in September for his eye-catching performances.

The 21-year-old made his debut for the national team in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Pakistan last November and was unlucky to miss out on Saudi Arabia’s final squad for the Asian Cup.