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The five-time Ballon d'Or winner scored and assisted in his side's latest win, but coaches at some of the league's other big-spenders are struggling

We're well into the second quarter of the Saudi Pro League season now, and the title race is beginning to take real shape, with it looking increasingly like it will be between two teams: Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.

Hilal remain four points clear and the league's only unbeaten side through 12 games thanks to their 2-0 win over Al-Fateh on Friday, which Nassr were then able to match just over 24 hours later as Cristiano Ronaldo helped fire them past Al-Khaleej.

Al-Ahli look like being the pair's closest challengers after they moved into a share of third-place with surprise package Al-Taawoun following a 3-0 win over Al-Riyadh on Sunday, but it was another weekend to forget for defending champions Al-Ittihad, whose 1-0 loss to Al-Shadab leaves them 11 points adrift of the leaders after five games without a win.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from the latest round of Saudi Pro League action…

WINNER: Cristiano Ronaldo

Given the underwhelming displays that some of the Pro League's summer imports have put in since their arrival, it is certainly worth noting just how dominant Ronaldo has been thus far in 2023-24.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner proved to be difference for Al-Nassr once again on Saturday, as he opened the scoring with a superb long-range strike against Al-Khaleej for his 400th goal since turning 30, before providing the assist for Aymeric Laporte to seal the points in the second half.

Ronaldo has now netted 12 league goals so far this season – at least three more than any other player – and has helped carry Nassr on a 16-match unbeaten run in all competitions. They may remain four points adrift of the leaders, but with the Portuguese legend in this form, don't bet against them celebrating a title win in May.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesLOSER: Nuno Espirito Santo

Just when it seemed like things couldn't get any worse for Al-Ittihad manager Nuno, he saw his side slip to a 1-0 defeat against mid-table Al-Shadab that stretches their winless run in the league to five games.

The former Tottenham boss has been coming under increasing pressure in recent weeks amid reports of him falling out with his players in the wake of their poor results, and if Friday's game is anything to go by, things are unlikely to improve any time soon.

The defending champions already look like they need a miracle to even challenge for the title, never mind win it, and it feels like the only thing keeping Nuno from the sack is just how close the upcoming Club World Cup is, with the Ittihad decision-makers keen to avoid instability ahead of the competition.

Getty ImagesWINNER: Salem Al-Dawsari

Fresh from being named Asian Player of the Year earlier in the week, Salem Al-Dawsari was keen to celebrate his success in Al-Hilal's game against Al-Fateh on Friday, and though he had to wait until late on, the forward did just that.

Al-Dawsari, who is regarded as the most talented Saudi player of his generation, is being required to step up and play an even bigger role than expected for Hilal following Neymar's likely season-ending injury, and it was he who secured victory in second-half stoppage-time on Matchday 12 after Aleksandar Mitrovic had opened the scoring from the penalty spot inside the opening five minutes.

Though his goal didn't come until late, this was another virtuoso performance from Al-Dawsari, and despite the influx of talent from Europe, he still profiles as one of the biggest stars of the Pro League.

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Getty ImagesLOSER: Al-Ettifaq

Everything was set up for Al-Ettifaq to enjoy a memorable night on Sunday. Steven Gerrard's club were holding the official opening of their brand-new stadium as they hosted Al-Raed, who sit bottom of the table and had lost eight of their 11 games heading into the fixture.

However, with star striker Moussa Dembele still out with an injury, Gerrard's team failed to break down their visitors and were made to settle for a 0-0 draw which keeps them down in seventh and four points off the top four.

Ettifaq have now won just one of their last six league games and were knocked out of the King's Cup by Al-Nassr in midweek. As one of the league's biggest summer spenders, that should be concerning for Gerrard in terms of his long-term job prospects.

Kylian Mbappe has been told that he must guide Paris Saint-Germain and France to glory if he is to win the Ballon d'Or.

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Mbappe seen as future Ballon d'Or winnerStriker was third in voting this yearTold he must win with France and PSGWHAT HAPPENED?

Mbappe has long been seen as one of the stars to dominate the award alongside Erling Haaland once Lionel Messi's stranglehold on the prize comes to an end.

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However, France's failure to win the World Cup despite Mbappe's hat-trick in the final defeat to Messi's Argentina and PSG's inability to claim the Champions League trophy have prevented the 24-year-old from being named the best in the world.

Instead, the striker came in third in the voting as world champion Messi claimed a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or and Haaland was runner-up after helping Manchester City win the European and English treble.

WHAT THEY SAID

PSG coach Luis Enrique is confident his star forward will get his hands on the prize eventually, but explained what he needs to do to achieve

"To win the Ballon d’Or, in addition to individual performances which are very good for Kylian, you have to win club and national trophies," he told reporters. "We try to win as much as possible in Paris and Kylian can also do it in the national team. I am sure he will win many Ballons d’Or."

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Mbappe will likely be in action with PSG on Friday when they face Montpellier in Ligue 1.

Luka Modric's agent has commented on the possible transfer of the Croatian to Saudi Arabia from Real Madrid.

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Modric open to January transferUnhappy with game timeHas offers from Saudi Arabia(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The Croatian midfielder has been on the outside looking in at the Santiago Bernabeu this season. Borja Couce, Modric's agent, has made hints that his client may be amenable to a move to the Middle East as the January transfer window draws near. He also revealed that the player has already received several offers from Saudi Arabia.

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Despite playing in 15 games for Real Madrid this season, the 38-year-old has only made six appearances in the starting lineup. The midfielder has claimed he is not happy with how little playing time he has received this season.

WHAT MODRIC'S AGENT SAID

Couce told Shoot: “Saudi clubs? This summer there was interest in Modric with the aim of signing him. The player has several offers, from a club from the capital and another club.”

“Modric is currently thinking about Real Madrid, but the idea of him moving to the Saudi Pro League is possible if the offer is suitable.”

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MODRIC?

If Modric departed in the middle of the season, it would be surprising, especially because he has the opportunity to finish his career in Spain on a high by winning La Liga.

Ben White, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus could all be in contention for starting berths when Arsenal face Brentford in the Premier League.

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Club captain pushing for recallBrazilian striker & England defender also in the mixRamsdale to replace Raya between the sticksWHAT HAPPENED?

The Gunners are due to make the short trip from north to west London on Saturday for a meeting with the Bees. They will make that journey having dropped just nine points through their opening 12 games in the 2023-24 campaign – with the plan being to piece together another title challenge.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT ARTETA SAID

Mikel Arteta is hoyes ping to have a number of senior stars available after the international break, with club captain Odegaard having been out of action since facing West Ham in the Carabao Cup on November 1. Arteta said when asked for an update on the Norwegian midfielder: “We have another training session today but he's been progressing well. Hopefully he will be available.”

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Brazilian striker Jesus has been absent for Arsenal since October 24, but he figured for his country in a 2026 World Cup qualifying clash with Argentina and could get game time against Brentford. Arteta added: “He is available. He played 97 minutes in a really competitive match. We have another session. They had a really long flight and I have to see the condition of every single player to make the final call on the line up.”

Arteta went on to say when asked if England international defender White, who has been out since mid-November, will be available: “Again, if he’s able to train today he’ll be in contention to play. it's a question to be resolved in the next few hours.”

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

Arsenal will definitely be without Thomas Partey, as he recovers from a thigh problem, while Fabio Vieira is suspended following his red card against Burnley. Aaron Ramsdale will make his first Premier League appearance since September between the sticks, as on-loan goalkeeper David Raya is ineligible against his parent club.

Arsenal are reportedly in talks with Takehiro Tomiyasu over a new contract.

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Arsenal in talks over new Tomiyasu dealDefender's current contract expires in 2025Arteta praises defender after Lens win(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The Japanese international joined Arsenal from Serie A team Bologna in 2021 and despite having a number of injuries since then, he is something of a fan favourite at the Emirates off the back of his impressive displays.

Now, The Athletic claims the 25-year-old and the Gunners are expected to reach an agreement over a new deal in due course. His current terms expire in 2025, although the north London outfit have an option to extend it by a further 12 months.

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If Tomiyasu, who has made 71 appearances for the club, were to sign a new contract, that would cap off a successful year of important players extending their stay with the Gunners. In February, Gabriel Martinelli signed a new deal until 2027, Bukayo Saka followed suit in May, and Martin Odegaard put pen to paper until 2028 in September. If Arsenal want to win trophies again, retaining their top talent, whilst strengthening the squad as well, is vital.

(C)Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?

In early November, Tomiyasu was selected as Arsenal's monthly MVP for October by fan voting, making it his second award since September 2021.

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WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday at home to Wolves, seeking to maintain their spot at the top of the table.

Michael Owen was left in awe of Darwin Nunez's dinked goal which opened the scoring for Liverpool against Brentford.

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Owen in awe of Nunez's dinked goal against BrentfordBut advises him to "adapt his way of thinking"Liverpool retained top position after win over BrentfordWHAT HAPPENED?

The former Reds legend described Darwin Nunez's opening strike against Brentford as "insane" as he was left in disbelief by the Uruguayan forward's ability to convert such an outrageous goal. Owen, though, also shared a word of advice for the former Benfica player as he urged him to adapt his way of thinking going forward.

AdvertisementWHAT MICHAEL OWEN SAID

Reacting to Nunez's goal, the former England international took to X where he wrote, "That finish from Darwin Nunez yesterday was insane. I can’t stop watching it. And I can’t begin to explain how difficult a skill that is. Moving at pace, the ball running away from you, being inside the box with no room for error. Incredible. But, it is also further proof that if he is to get closer to becoming the great player many people think he can be, he has to adapt his way of thinking.

"I mean, to even consider that finish is madness. It’s a 1 in 10, 2 in 10 finish at best. Learning to slot, dink or go round the GK is a far more productive way to score and will increase his chances to 4 or 5 in 10, thus massively increasing his end return. I’m really not trying to rain on his parade as that goal was pure class. But I’d rather see it when Liverpool are 3-0 up, not at 0-0."

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After handing his team in the first half, the 24-year-old striker was taken offat half-time which Jurgen Klopp described to be a precautionary measure as the player felt some discomfort during the half-time break. Liverpool were also jolted by the injuries to Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota who were also forced off to add to the club's injury woes.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

Klopp's side maintained their two-point lead at the top of the table after Saturday's victory. They will next take on Luton Town in the Premier League on Wednesday.

Luis Suarez has revealed that he will end his playing career at Inter Miami after joining the MLS side on a one-year contract.

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Suarez confirms plans to retireSays Inter Miami will be last clubStriker gearing up for MLS seasonWHAT HAPPENED?

Suarez reunited with former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba at the Florida club after the Uruguayan left Gremio at the end of 2023. He signed a 12-month deal that contains an option to extend for a further year and he believes it will be the last contract of his career.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT SUAREZ SAID

He told : "Inter Miami is the last club of my career. I can't be more honest. The family already knows it. I don't know the date yet, but it's the last step. I am also ready for my last challenge. I must think about having quality of life afterwards. I talk about this and I feel like crying because that's who I am, but you have to prepare yourself. I remember that a former player told me that the player is never prepared for retirement."

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At 37 years old, Suarez appears to still be going strong. He scored an impressive 17 goals in 33 Serie A appearances for Gremio last season, enough to earn him the league's best player and best striker awards. He is expected to help fire Inter Miami to a better season than last year, as Messi and Co. failed to reach the MLS playoffs despite winning the Leagues Cup earlier in the year.

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Getty WHAT NEXT FOR SUAREZ?

Suarez and his Inter Miami team-mates will soon start the 2024 MLS campaign. They get underway with a home match against Real Salt Lake on February 22 before travelling to California to take on LA Galaxy four days later.

Mauricio Pochettino continues to defend his Chelsea project even after losing to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.

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Pochettino drew inspiration from KloppDefended 'Chelsea project' despite Carabao Cup lossLiverpool beat Chelsea 1-0WHAT HAPPENED?

The Reds rode on Virgil van Dijk's solitary strike in extra-time to beat Chelsea and lift their maiden title of the season on Sunday. Despite losing in the final, Blues boss Pochettino continued to defend his 'Chelsea project' as he drew comparisons to Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.

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The Argentine pointed out that even Klopp took two years to deliver the Reds their first major trophy which was the Champions League in the 2018/19 season. Before that, the Merseyside club had reached the finals of the Europa League and Champions League but had failed to win the titles.

WHAT MAURICIO POCHETTINO SAID

Speaking to Chelseafc.com after the match, Pochettino said, "They are professional. Now we need to move forward, but they need to feel the pain. When you're playing for a trophy, nothing you can say will make them feel better. They need to realise that we need to work, we need to do things better and improve. To compete at this level, you need to feel what it means to play for a big trophy.

"I remember that after three or four years [under Jurgen Klopp] Liverpool had lost the Europa League final and lost the Champions League final. But they kept believing in their project and got stronger each season until they got what they wanted. That is a good example and if we want to challenge a team like Liverpool, we need to keep believing, that is the most important thing."

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

The Blues will be next seen in action in the FA Cup on Wednesday against Leeds United before facing Brentford on Saturday in the Premier League.

USMNT star Johnny Cardoso has made a dream start to life at Real Betis as he landed a top La Liga honour for his exploits in February.

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Cardoso enjoying life in SpainSigned for Betis until 2029 from Internacional in JanuaryWas awarded U23 player of the month for FebruaryWHAT HAPPENED?

The Brazilian midfielder, who made the leap from Internacional to Betis during the winter transfer window, has been enjoying a dream start to life in Spain. He scored his team's third goal in a recent 3-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao and had earlier bagged an assist as well in February during a 2-0 triumph over Cadiz. And now the 22-year-old has been recognised by La Liga for his efforts and was honoured with the U23 Player of the Month award for February.

AdvertisementWHAT PELLEGRINI SAID

Manuel Pellegrini, coach of Real Betis, lavished praise on Cardoso after his impressive performance against Athletic and told reporters: “He is very organised and intelligent. He needs to adapt to the league but from the first minute, he is performing very well.”

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The victory over Athletic keeps Betis in contention for European football next season, as they are currently sitting in sixth place in the league table. Reflecting on his goal-scoring moment, Cardoso exuded confidence, stating that he had no doubts when the opportunity presented itself.

"When I saw the ball coming, I had no doubt to go for goal,” he said.

“I’m very happy. It still hasn’t sunk in yet but I’m just enjoying the moment with my team-mates. Our goal is Europe, we’ll make it happen.”

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DID YOU KNOW?

On the international stage, Cardoso has represented the US Men's National Team (USMNT) on nine occasions since his debut in 2020. His recent involvement in friendlies against Germany and Ghana highlights his importance to Gregg Berhalter's plans for the national team's future.

Newcastle United are believed to be eyeing a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan N’Dicka, with the Frenchman having starred in the club’s recent Europa League final triumph over Rangers.

What’s the word?

As per SportBILD, (via SportsWitness), the Magpies have ‘expressed an interest’ in signing the 22-year-old centre-back this summer, with the player one of a handful of stars likely to be poached following the Bundesliga outfit’s recent European success.

The report suggests that the £25.2m-rated brute is the ‘main candidate’ to secure a move in the upcoming window, with Newcastle having reportedly sent scouts to watch the former Auxerre man in action against West Ham United earlier this month.

Eddie Howe’s side will no doubt face competition for his signature, however, with Premier League rivals Manchester United also believed to be eyeing a deal.

Better than Botman

Having strengthened in January to help the club successfully – and remarkably – steer themselves away from the drop zone, it would appear that PIF are keen to bolster Howe’s ranks again this summer, with defensive additions seemingly high on the priority list.

Despite the impressive form of winter arrival Dan Burn, the belief is that the northeast side are eyeing a new left-sided central defender, with the likes of Monaco man Benoit Badiashile, Lille ace Sven Botman and now N’Dicka all tipped as potential targets.

Botman, in particular, had been the name on everybody’s lips in January, although their failure to secure the signing of the Dutchman could well come as a blessing in disguise, with the Frankfurt man potentially a more eye-catching recruit.

The £8.3k-per-week gem has been in sparkling form this term, averaging 4.1 clearances, 1.9 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game in his 32 league outings, while also winning 60% of his total duels.

That record compares favourably to that of Botman, with the 22-year-old averaging better for clearances per game (4.6), although has recorded just one tackle and one interception per 90 in his 24 league games thus far.

N’Dicka also comes out on top when compared to players in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, notably ranking in the top 5% for blocks and the top 6% for aerial duels won, while his aforementioned competitor ranks in just the top 35% and 34%, respectively, in those two metrics.

Dubbed “towering” by journalist Jacque Talbot, the former France U21 international is an imposing presence at 6 foot 4, with the Paris-born gem likely to not be overawed by the physicality in the Premier League.

He also appears unburdened by pressure, having proven his worth in Wednesday’s showpiece victory in Seville, with Squawka’s Muhammad Butt labelling him “cool, calm and composed” following his “absolutely superb” display against Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side.

That showing demonstrated just what a talent the young defender is, with Howe and co wise to push for a deal to secure his services, ahead of long-term target, Botman.

IN other news, Eddie Howe can now help NUFC sign “spectacular” £64m “nightmare”, he’s better than Saint-Maximin