The Saudi Premier League is almost over and that would be a bitter-sweet experience for Cristiano Ronaldo. On an individual level, CR7 has been as prolific as ever and has scored 33 goals which make him the best scorer in the league. However, his exploits have not translated into much team success as Al Nassr are yet to win any silverware. The final league game for the Knights of Najd is away at last year’s champions Al Ittihad. Will Castro be tempted to play CR7 in this crucial King Cup final versus Al Hilal? Let’s see below.
Injury News
As of now there is no injury scare on Cristiano Ronaldo meaning he will play against former teammate Benzema’s outfit Ittihad. Two major reasons account for this.
New Records?
The Portuguese attacker firstly stands on the verge of an extraordinary personal milestone. Another goal and he will become the top scorer of all time in one season of Saudi soccer competition. At present, Abderrazak Hamdallah holds this record with 34 goals scored during the 2018/19 term. Curiously enough, he was also wearing Nassr colors then. A CR7 prop could mean he is about to break the record and etch his name in Saudi history.
Additionally, there is no point in allowing Cristiano Ronaldo any rest at all, with only two fair games played across the season. Besides, if you want to keep him on rhythm, you will have to grant him 90 minutes now. Aymeric Laporte is a sure miss for one player. The Frenchman was sent off during their last league game against Al Riyadh. Unfortunately, it appears that Laporte’s suspension shall be two matches hence he will miss the King’s Cup final match. The actual mission of Christiano Ronaldo has indeed become much more difficult.
Can Christiano Ronaldo deliver on “promise of trophy”?
Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr runs out in June 2025. Nevertheless, he must achieve an objective before this time comes. The above assertion had already been made by the 39-year-old who said that without winning at least five trophies he would not leave this club. At present count stands at one after taking home the Arabian Champions League title so; thus, consequently, in order for Portuguese attacker to taste victory over Al Hilal.
Instead of Cristiano Ronaldo alone, Luis Castro is supposed to have a win. For so long, Al Nassr has not been able to win championships and this has made the Portuguese tactician come under pressure. Actually, it has been rumored that the team is interested in Inter Milan manager Simeone Inzaghi. Consequently, if his squad wins Al Hilal then it will help settle him down.