Euro 2024: The Saudi Pro League Stars’ Mixed Bag
As the curtains closed on Euro 2024, the performances of the Saudi Pro League stars were under the microscope. With concerns about the level and intensity of games in Saudi Arabia, many wondered how these players would fare in the tournament. Let’s dive into the results and takeaways from their Euro 2024 adventure.
The Bad
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr, Portugal) – 485 minutes played
Ronaldo’s tournament was a disappointment, to say the least. He took 23 shots, including a penalty, but missed every single one. His struggles were evident, and he was left in tears during Portugal’s quarterfinal loss to France.
Jack Hendry (Al Ettifaq, Scotland) – 261 minutes played
Scotland’s dismal performance meant Hendry’s scope to impress was limited. He played 80-plus minutes in each of his three games, but his conditioning wasn’t a major issue. Unfortunately, his lack of impact earned him a spot in the "bad" category.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Al Hilal, Serbia) – 121 minutes played
Milinkovic-Savic started strong, playing the full 90 minutes against England. However, he barely featured in Serbia’s next two games, and his tournament was cut short due to a lack of game time.
Marcelo Brozovic (Al Nassr, Croatia) – 225 minutes played
Brozovic struggled in Croatia’s group stage, failing to make an impact in their 3-0 loss to Spain. He was substituted at halftime in their second game and struggled in the third. His poor form contributed to Croatia’s early exit.
Aleksandar Mitrovic (Al Hilal, Serbia) – 240 minutes played
Mitrovic’s performances were a letdown, as he failed to find his rhythm in the tournament. He took 10 shots and scored zero goals, missing a big chance against Slovenia.
Solomon Kvirkvelia (Al Okhdood, Georgia) – 180 minutes played
Kvirkvelia started Georgia’s first two games but was substituted late in both matches. He then missed the third game, which was Georgia’s first win in the tournament.
The Indifferent
Rúben Neves (Al Hilal, Portugal) – 125 minutes played
Neves didn’t start a single game, making four substitute appearances. He played no more than 45 minutes in each of those games, and his impact was minimal.
Georginio Wijnaldum (Al Ettifaq, Netherlands) – 70 minutes played
Wijnaldum also didn’t start a game, making three substitute appearances. He played no more than 25 minutes in each of those games, and his influence was limited.
The Good
Andrei Burca (Al Okhdood, Romania) – 360 minutes played
Burca impressed in Romania’s four games, playing a key role in their defensive solidity. He made crucial tackles and clearances, helping his team progress to the round of 16.
Nicolae Stanciu (Damac, Romania) – 353 minutes played
Stanciu scored a crucial goal in Romania’s opening win over Ukraine and played a key role in their group stage campaign. He worked tirelessly, creating chances for his teammates and scoring one of the tournament’s standout goals.
Merih Demiral (Al Ahli, Turkey) – 206 minutes played
Demiral’s performance against Austria was incredible, as he scored two goals and dominated the midfield. His energy and work rate were unmatched, and he played a key role in Turkey’s victory.
Aymeric Laporte (Al Nassr, Spain) – 525 minutes played
Laporte was the standout performer among the Saudi Pro League stars, playing every minute of Spain’s six games. He was dominant in defense, purposeful in possession, and coped with the tournament’s top strikers.
Takeaways
The Saudi Pro League stars’ performances were a mixed bag, with some shining brightly and others struggling to make an impact. The tournament highlighted the challenges of adjusting to the European game, with many players experiencing a dip in form as the competition wore on.
As we reflect on Euro 2024, it’s clear that some players adapted better than others. While some struggled to find their rhythm, others thrived in the spotlight. Follow us on all social media platforms for more updates and analysis on the Saudi Pro League stars’ performances.