Ivan Toney on first Sea Derby: "We want to make Jeddah green.”

About to contest his inaugural Sea Derby, Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney is focused on only one thing.

“We know it’s going to be big,” the Englishman says ahead of Thursday’s Roshn Saudi League clash against Jeddah rivals Al Ittihad. “On a personal level, it is going to be my first one. I’m excited. I know derbies from my previous clubs, but I’m sure it’s nothing like being here, how much it means to everyone. Hopefully we can win.

“I think it’ll be similar [to other derbies] - there’ll be tackles flying in - but the fact is we’re fighting for what colour we make Jeddah. Obviously, it’s special to everyone and special to the fans. With them being so close, we want to make Jeddah green.”

By the sounds of things, Toney has already bought into one of Saudi Arabian football’s fiercest competitive enmities. He moved to the Kingdom in August, towards the conclusion of the summer transfer window, joining Al Ahli from English Premier League side Brentford.

A member of the England squad who finished runner-up at the 2024 UEFA European Championship, Toney seems to have settled well. He has netted three times in six RSL appearances thus far, but he appreciates the RSL boasts elite striking talent, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Aleksandar Mitrovic. Al Nassr’s Ronaldo is the reigning golden boot.

When Toney is asked if he is targeting scoring more than the Portuguese superstar this season, he replies: “Hopefully more. To be fair, I’m competing with myself, really. I don’t watch what other people are doing. Obviously, Ronaldo is a top player, but I concentrate on myself and what I do best.

“I always set targets for myself and hopefully I can hit them. [Media] ask me what my target is, but it doesn’t come out. It only comes out when I’ve hit it come the end of the season. Hopefully I can keep playing well, score goals and help the team to win games.”

That commitment to the collective continues on Thursday at King Abdullah Sports City, when his eighth-placed Al Ahli attempt to derail high-flying Al Ittihad - the 2022-23 champions sit second - and their band of in-form stars.

Although experiencing a first Sea Derby, Toney sounds like someone well versed in the cross-city Jeddah rivalry.

“You’ve got to do the work,” he says. “It’s all well and good coming up against these players, but we’re not here to idolise these players. We’re here to beat them. And hopefully we can do that.”

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