Roshn Saudi League - The Season So Far (Part Two)

With the Roshn Saudi League’s full schedule set to return this week following its break for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, it’s time to look at the performances of all 18 teams during the first half of the season. 

Next up in this three-part series ahead of the February 15 restart: those currently sitting seventh to 12th in the 2023-24 table.

Al Fateh (7th, 29 points)

The side from Al Ahsa have had a solid start to the campaign under Slaven Bilic. The vast majority of their 29 points came in September and October, when they lost only once and won their other six fixtures. The highlight of the run was a resounding 5-1 victory against Al Ahli who then signed Al Fateh forward Feras Al Buraikan.

One victory in their most recent eight RSL outings will be a major concern for the team, though, and Bilic will be hoping the extended break has been a useful opportunity to reenergise his squad for the second half of the season. 

Key Player - Abbas Al Hassan

The teenage winger has certainly caught the eye for Al Fateh. Whilst Moroccan attacker Mourad Batna has been the standout player in attack, with eight goals, it has been the drive and pace of Al Hassan that has impressed.

At just 19 years-old, the future looks bright for the Al Hofuf native, who really should be looking to add to his tally of two goals in the second half of the season. 

Al Ettifaq (8th, 25 points)

After a promising start to the season, aided by a busy summer on the transfer front, expectations were high for the team from Dammam. However, a poor run of no wins from their past eight RSL games, coupled with the departure of club captain Jordan Henderson, has left Al Ettifaq with as little behind their pre-season targets.

Yet considerable comfort can be taken from the extensive January overhaul at the club; no fewer than three foreign players have been drafted in. Alvaro Medran and Karl Toko Ekambi add proven RSL quality from Al Taawoun and Abh,a respectively, while the loan deal to sign Cote d’Ivoire international Seko Fofana brings steel to the midfield. 

Key Player - Moussa Dembele

The French striker’s spell on the sidelines has been pivotal to Al Ettifaq’s fortunes. After an impressive September, the former Lyon man had scored five goals and helped his side to nine points, but a knee injury curtailed his playing time.

In the intervening period, Al Ettifaq failed to consistently find the back of the net. Dembele will be hoping the extended winter break can help his recovery and get him back among the goals. 

Al Wehda (9th, 25 points)

It’s been a solid first half of the campaign for the Mecca-based outfit. Al Wehda have enjoyed impressive home form, registering six wins from a possible 10. In fact, they are currently on a three-match winning streak at King Abdulaziz Sport City. That included an impressive 3-1 win over Al Khaleej in which summer signing Odion Ighalo netted a hat-trick.

Away from home has been another story, however, with Al Wehda picking up just two wins from nine games. Boss Georgios Donis will want more stability from his side on the road, especially if Al Wehda want to make a credible push into the top five this season. 

Key Player - Odion Ighalo

The former Al Hilal attacker has enjoyed an impressive start in Mecca, with nine goals in 17 league appearances. Ighalo is no stranger to scoring goals in the Kingdom after a prolific and trophy-laden spell with Al Hilal.

It will be interesting to see if Ighalo can strike up a potent understanding with attack partner Craig Goodwin, who has also enjoyed a solid start after being recruited from the A-league. One thing is for certain: the veteran Nigerian will be pivotal in Al Wehda’s 2023-24 RSL ambitions. 

Al Khaleej (10th, 22 points)

After a slow start, Al Khaleej find themselves firmly mid-table thanks in part to three consecutive victories in December to close out the first half of the season on a high.

Before that, it had been something of a slog for the side from Saihat, who in truth have been competitive under Pedro Emanuel, but have lacked that true cutting edge when it mattered. Although, thankfully Al Khaleej do have a useful knack of beating the sides around the lower half of the RSL standings, which bodes well going forward. 

Key Player – Fabio Martins

The Portuguese playmaker has been pulling the strings for Al Khaleej since signing during the 2022-23 season, and his influence has not waned thus far this campaign. Martins has already struck seven goals this campaign, matching his tally from last season.

One area the 30-year-old could improve in would be in laying on assists, especially considering he has at times been employed in a more central attacking role in midfield. The former Braga man should be looking to lead their side’s drive to greater heights.  

Al Shabab (11th, 21 points)

Two managerial departures within the first half of the season suggests all was not well at the Riyadh-based side. Dutch coach Marcel Keizer lasted only five rounds of the new season, as he failed to pick up a league victory in that time. After an extensive search, Al Shabab decided to go with former Liverpool defender Igor Biscan.

Everything started so well for the Croatian - he picked up three wins from his opening four games - however they proved to be the only victories in a short-lived 68-day tenure that covered just 11 games. Experienced Portuguese coach Vitor Pereira is the latest managerial recruit. 

On the transfer front, there has been something to cheer about for Al Shabab. Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic was signed from La Liga outfit Sevilla in what is the standout signing of the January transfer window. Likewise, the loan signing of Brazilian playmaker Vitinho from Al Ettifaq could prove a canny accusation. 

Key Player - Ivan Rakitic

With the club in eleventh place, the signing of the former Barcelona man is an indication that Al Shabab must improve in the second half of the campaign. No pressure, then, for Rakitic. The 35-year-old’s experience and winning mentality will be vital if Al Shabab are to pull themselves up the RSL standings.

Replacing recently departed midfielder Ever Banega will of course be a challenge, but Rakitic’s undeniable pedigree, and superb CV, suggests he is just the man to do it. 

Al Okhdood (12th, 20 points)

The Najran-based club have been decisive in changing coaches and, for now, the decision seems to have paid off as they aim to stave off relegation. Portuguese coach Jorge Mendonca departed in November and Martin Sevela quickly brought in. The Slovakian coach is not new to working in the Kingdom having previously taken charge of Abha and Al Adalah. 

Sevela, 48, initially overseen an upturn of results that have moved Al Okhdood away from the relegation zone. Ten points from a possible 15 is an impressive return from their past five matches, characterised by gritty 1-0 victories. Al Okhdood are currently three points above the bottom three, but a few more gutsy wins could prove vital in staying in the RSL. 

Key Player - Andrei Burca

The Romanian international right-back has been a revelation at both ends of the pitch for the club. Burca has popped up with four goals - the highest tally in the squad - including the winner in a slender 1-0 win over Al Ettifaq in December.

However, the former Cluj man has also come up with impressive defensive performances that have helped Al Okhdood pick up four clean sheets in their past five RSL outings. More of the same will be needed if the side from the south are to keep their place in the top-flight.