6 young Saudis to shine thus far in 2024-25 RSL

With the current pause in the 2024-25 Roshn Saudi League, we look at some of the young Saudi Arabians who had shone through the first six matchweeks.

Each suggest a bright campaign, and future, lies ahead.

Musab Al Juwayr (Al Shabab)

The 21-year-old playmaker underlined his undoubted talent by collecting the season’s first Young Player of the Month award, for September. Al Juwayr’s impact at Al Shabab, following the renewal of the loan move from Al Hilal, has been obvious: he has slotted seamlessly into Vitor Pereira’s midfield since joining after Matchweek 2, usually playing on the right behind a loan striker.

Has a goal already this season, coming in Al Hilal’s thrilling 3-2 win against Damac - Al Juwayr was later voted the game's Man of the Match - alongside two assists to emphasis his growing reputation.

Meshari Sunyur (Al Raed)

What a season this is shaping up to be for the young Saudi. In a league full of high-calibre goalkeeping imports, Sunyur is flying the flag for his homeland having debuted in the RSL only in the opening match of this campaign. Then, he was inspired in the 1-1 draw at Al Nassr, repeatedly thwarting Cristiano Ronaldo and Co as Al Raed earned a brilliant point to kick-start their season.

Sunyur, 22, hasn’t let up since: he has played every minute for Odair Hellmann’s upward-trending side, helping the ninth-placed club to three clean sheets from six RSL matches.

Saad Al Mosa (Al Ittihad)

Much of Al Ittihad’s bright start to the season has been attributed to a fearsome attack that boasts the likes of an in-form Karim Benzema, a goal-hungry Houssem Aouar, and the 2024-25 campaign’s lead assister Moussa Diaby, as the Jeddah giants sit second in the table.

However, their defence has provided the platform for the team to shine, with Al Mosa growing in importance this term. The 21-year-old has begun four of the five RSL matches in which he has been available, manning the centre of the backline - even with summer signing Danilo Pereira now at the club.

Abdulaziz Al Othman (Al Qadsiah)

Vying for a spot in the attack with teammates of the calibre of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Julian Quinones, it’s safe to say Al Othman has not been deterred. The young forward, 20, may be contesting his first season in the RSL, but he has certainly made the most of the opportunities that come his way.

His goal in the most recent round, an adroit finish when sent through in the 2-1 defeat at Al Raed, lifted Al Othman to two for the season following the very first matchweek, when he notched Al Qadsiah’s second in the 3-0 victory against Al Fateh. Has featured in all six RSL games this term, twice as a starter.

Salem Al Najdi (Al Nassr)

Signed this summer from Al Fayha, the winger-cum-defender has gone on the make the left-back spot his own following the departure of Alex Telles. Al Najdi, 21, has played all four matches since, three from the start, and even displayed his natural instincts by scoring Al Nassr’s second in the notable 3-0 win at Al Ettifaq in Matchweek 4.

Racing onto Sadio Mane’s sublime, defence-splitting pass, Al Najdi still had the wherewithal to supply a super finish, lifting his shot from the angle over the onrushing Marek Rodak. Also to his credit, the change of manager, with Stefano Pioli now in charge, has not affected his progress.

Mourad Khodari (Al Wehda)

Easily identifiable because of his shock of blonde hair, the Al Wehda forward is fast becoming even more recognisable for his ability. All five of Khodari’s 2024-25 RSL appearances may have come from the bench, but the talented 21-year-old he has already found the net twice.

In fact, both goals came in the opening two matchweeks; the first was a 94th-minute strike that looked to have given Al Wehda a last-gasp win only for Al Riyadh to snatch a 3-3 draw, while the second did secure a late, late victory. Deep into stoppage-time once more, this time against Al Orobah, Khodari netted for the Mecca side to triumph 2-1 at the death.