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Ronaldo leads line in LiveScore's star-studded Saudi Pro League XI
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Danny Ryan
LiveScore
Cristiano Ronaldo has been in stunning form at Al-Nassr this season
Cristiano Ronaldo has been in stunning form at Al-Nassr this season

The Saudi Pro League's lavish spending was one of the summer transfer window's major talking points.

With many stars of European football now plying their trade in the Middle East, we have a go at picking the division's best XI.

Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal)

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou joined Al-Hilal after four successful years at Sevilla, where he twice won the Europa League.

The 32-year-old was named 2023 African Player of the Year after his commanding displays at last year's World Cup.

Centre-back: Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal)

Kalidou Koulibaly was part of the mass summer exodus at Chelsea following a lacklustre 2022-23 campaign.

The Senegal international previously shone at Napoli and was named in the Serie A Team of the Season four times.

Centre-back: Fabinho (Al-Ittihad)

After five trophy-laden years at Liverpool, Fabinho decided to join the Saudi revolution by completing a £40million move to Al-Ittihad.

The versatile Brazilian starred on debut against Al-Raed and was gifted a Rolex by a fan as thanks for his performance.

Fabinho is already impressing at new club Al-Ittihad
Fabinho is already impressing at new club Al-Ittihad

Centre-back: Aymeric Laporte (Al-Nassr)

Manchester City's wealth of defensive options — including summer arrival Josko Gvardiol — saw Aymeric Laporte depart the Etihad for Al-Nassr.

The 29-year-old won 13 trophies with the Citizens, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Right wing: Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli)

Another star name out the City exit door, Riyad Mahrez is already shining at new club Al-Ahli.

Part of a forward line which includes Roberto Firmino and Allan Saint-Maximin, the Algerian winger has scored two goals and registered two assists in five league matches this season.

Riyad Mahrez won the Treble in his final season with Manchester City
Riyad Mahrez won the Treble in his final season with Manchester City

Centre midfield: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Al-Hilal)

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is one of the few players who moved to Saudi this summer at the peak of his powers.

The 28-year-old maestro was Lazio's main man last season, scoring nine goals and assisting eight more in Serie A action.

Centre midfield: N'Golo Kante (Al-Ittihad)

N'Golo Kante and Chelsea failed to agree on a new contract, so the 2018 World Cup winner joined Al-Ittihad on a free transfer.

Injuries were an issue for the 32-year-old in his final years at Stamford Bridge, although he has made five top-flight appearances so far this term.

N'Golo Kante won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021
N'Golo Kante won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021

Left wing: Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr)

Sadio Mane departed Bayern Munich after a difficult debut campaign but already looks back to his best in an Al-Nassr shirt.

Senegal's record scorer has bagged five goals in as many league outings, including a brace in the 5-0 win at Al-Fateh last month.

Attacking midfield: Neymar (Al-Hilal)

Perhaps the biggest signing made by a Saudi club this summer, Neymar joined Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth a reported £86m.

The Brazilian superstar has yet to debut but should do so after the international break following his return to fitness.

Neymar was presented to thousands of Al-Hilal fans last month
Neymar was presented to thousands of Al-Hilal fans last month

Striker: Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad)

The first major signing of the Saudi summer, Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema joined Al-Ittihad on a free transfer from Real Madrid on June 6.

He has settled nicely into life in Jeddah, netting two goals and tallying two assists in five league appearances.

Striker: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)

Cristiano Ronaldo kick-started the Saudi project when he joined Al-Nassr back in January.

The 38-year-old has been in sparkling form this season, with six goals, four assists and August's Player of the Month award added to his CV.

Do you agree with our line-up? Let us know by contacting @LiveScore on social media.

LiveScore's Saudi Pro League XI
LiveScore's Saudi Pro League XI

Etiquetas

Cristiano RonaldoKarim BenzemaNeymarSadio ManeSergej Milinkovic-SavicN'Golo KanteRiyad MahrezFabinhoAymeric LaporteKalidou KoulibalyYassine BounouAl-HilalAl Nassr FCAl IttihadAl AhliSaudi Pro League (SPL)
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