Insight: 5 RSL players to watch during the international break

A mammoth 63 Roshn Saudi League players are set to don national-team colours over the current international window in various continental qualifiers, World Cup qualifiers and international friendlies.

Here, we take a closer look at five stars from the RSL who deserve your particular attention in the March round of international fixtures.

Georginio Wijnaldum - Al Ettifaq and Netherlands

The Dutch midfielder heads into the Netherlands March friendlies seeking to cement his place in the squad for Euro 2024.The former Paris Saint-Germain man was a big-name signing for Al Ettifaq in the summer, and has settled well in the RSL. With six goals and two assists to his name this campaign, Wijnaldum has shown leadership for Steven Gerrard's team, especially when they endured a miserable eight game winless streak at the back end of 2023.

At age 33, Wijnaldum may not be an automatic starter for Ronald Koeman, but his experience could be a vital asset for the Oranje this summer as they look to win the European Championships for only the second time.

Ghislain Konan - Al Fayha and Cote d'Ivoire

The marauding left-back has been one of the reasons Al Fayha have yet to taste defeat in the RSL in 2024, winning five and drawing one of their six games to date. Equally adept in both attack and defence, the 28-year-old's ability to create this season underlines his threat going forward.

At international level, Konan was a mainstay in the Elephants' backline during this year's Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023, playing all seven matches as the hosts went all the way to lift the title on home soil. This window, Cote d'Ivoire take on Benin and Uruguay in friendly clashes in France. It will be interesting to see if Konan will continue his impressive campaign for club and country. 

Ahmed Hegazi - Al Ittihad and Egypt

It’s a new era for Egypt under the leadership of all-time leading goalscorer Hossam Hassan, and veteran defender Hegazi is set to play a principal role on and off the pitch for the Pharaohs.

The Al Ittihad centre-back has resumed his position as a strong vocal presence in recent weeks as the Jeddah side look to wrap up a top-four finish this season. With his national team undergoing a significant change after a disastrous AFCON exit in the round of 16, the 33-year-old's calm demeanour will be needed when the hosts look to navigate the FIFA Series: Egypt against New Zealand, Tunisia and Croatia.

Aleksandar Mitrovic - Al Hilal and Serbia

With 20 goals in 21 appearances - in his debut season no less - the prolific Serbian is locked in a race with Cristiano Ronaldo for the RSL Golden Boot. Mitrovic’s goals have undoubtedly helped power Al Hilal to 29 consecutive victories - the longest run in history of any top-tier team in the world - and a record 17 straight in the RSL.

Serbia tune up for their first European Championships as an independent nation with friendly clashes against Russia and Cyprus over the international break. Expect the in-form No.9 to be a prominent component as head coach Dragan Stojkovic looks to tweak his attack ahead of Serbia’s Euro 2024 opener against England on June 16.

Ibrahim Sehic - Al Khaleej and Bosnia & Herzegovina

The Al Khaleej goalkeeper has been in fine form for his club in recent weeks, coming up with a host of huge saves to keep the side from Saihat sitting snuggly in mid-table. This international break will be a challenge for the 35-year-old, though, as he looks to propel Bosnia & Herzegovina to a first European Championships.

First up, there’s a Path B semi-final encounter against Ukraine. Sehic has the ability to make important stops and, crucially, has the composure to keep a cool head when it matters most. These attributes will be vital if Bosnia & Herzegovina are to navigate their way to Germany this summer.