At the conclusion of the AFC Champions League group stage, the continent's premier club competition, Portuguese star Rúben Neves, midfielder for Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, emerged as the sole representative of Saudi clubs in the Team of the Week for the eighth and final round. This selection is a testament to his exceptional performance, which contributed to his team's top spot in the group and their well-deserved qualification for the knockout stages.
Background on the tournament and its importance
The AFC Champions League is the premier club competition organized by the Asian Football Confederation, featuring the strongest clubs from across the continent. The tournament enjoys a massive following and serves as a gateway for clubs to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup, adding to its prestige. Historically, Saudi Arabian clubs have achieved remarkable success in this competition, with Al-Hilal being one of the most successful clubs in its history, placing significant pressure and high expectations on the nation's representatives in each edition.
Neves' performance and its impact on Al-Hilal
Ruben Neves' selection was no surprise to observers, as the player has consistently delivered outstanding performances since joining Al-Hilal from the English Premier League. In the last round, Neves demonstrated his exceptional ability to control the tempo of the game, the accuracy of his long passes, and his pivotal defensive role in winning back possession. The presence of a player of Neves' caliber in the ideal lineup reflects not only his individual quality but also the tactical strength of Al-Hilal's system as a whole and its ability to make a difference in crucial matches.
Saudi representation in elimination rounds
Although Neves was the only Saudi player in the Team of the Week, Saudi clubs collectively demonstrated their strength. Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli all secured their places in the Round of 16, a feat that underscores the dominance and development of Saudi football on the continental stage. This triple qualification boosts the hopes of Saudi fans to see one of their teams return to the Asian podium and reflects the positive impact of attracting top international stars to the Saudi Professional League.
The perfect complete lineup for the final round
According to the Asian Football Confederation, the ideal lineup for the final round of the group stage included a constellation of the most prominent players who shone with their teams, and it came as follows:
