Expectations in Saudi Arabia are high that the World Cup squad of 2022 could emulate the country’s best ever World Cup run—to the second round in the United States in 1994. French manager Herve Renard has assembled what is widely regarded as one of the most exciting Saudi teams in years.
In qualifying for the tournament, Saudi raced through the Asian qualifying sector losing only once in 18 games, and finishing top of a group that included Australia, Japan and China. However, the draw for the World Cup has not been too kind, with the Green Falcons facing a challenging Group C line-up alongside Mexico, Poland and starting off against Leo Messi’s Argentina.
Here are five players from the Green Falcons that you should keep your eyes on…
Salem Al-Dawsari
Leading the line for both club (Al Hilal SFC) and country, the man affectionately known as The Tornado, is the player that is expecting to pose Saudi’s biggest attacking threat in Group C. Recently recovered from appendix surgery, he should be back to full fitness when The Kingdom kicks off its tournament against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
At 31, Al-Dawsari is now in the prime of his career and has a pedigree that is rare for a Saudi player, netting regularly in global and continental tournaments, including the 90th minute winner against Egypt at the 2018 World Cup in Russia last time out.
Over the last few years he has elevated himself not only as the best player in the Saudi league, but having played a vital role in Al Hilal winning the AFC Champions League, he makes a strong case for being the best player in Asia.
Salman Al-Faraj
Having represented his country nearly 70 times (scoring eight goals), Saudi captain Salman Al-Faraj is one of Saudi Arabia’s most senior players. Already a serial winner at club level with Al Hilal SFC, Qatar will be his second World Cup.
In his dual role as team captain and central midfield fulcrum, leading on the pitch is not merely a requirement for Al-Faraj, it is his mission statement.
Not only has he been an ever-reliable presence in Al Hilal’s recent domestic dominance, and led the team to win the Asian Champions League earlier this year, but in the previous World Cup in Russia, it was his goal that defeated rivals Egypt to secure Saudi’s third-ever victory at the tournament.
Firas Al-Brikan
This young striker continues to be in red-hot form despite changing clubs over the past season. He has slotted into the Saudi National team set up effortlessly, and continues to justify the faith that has been placed on his young shoulders.
Al-Brikan’s move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Fateh – he has started the 2022/23 season well with 4 goals in 8 games – has seen the 22-year-old blossom from young talent into demanding a starting line-up for the national team and giving coach Herve Renard a welcome selection headache.
Mohammed Al-Owais
While much is made of Saudi’s attacking prowess during World Cup qualification, you cannot overlook the team’s defence that only conceded a paltry seven goals. A large part of this was due to the shotstopping of Al-Owais, and the way he has built a growing bond with his backline.
Having already amassed more than 42 caps for the Green Falcons, the former Al-Ahli ‘keeper is very much seen as one of the senior figures for the national team, and a point of reference for the younger players around him.
Yasser Al-Shahrani
A household name for Saudis, thanks to a haul of trophies that his career at Al Hilal has brought him – including two Asian Champions Leagues titles. The adventurous left-back is an essential asset when it comes to turning defense into attack.
Thanks to an almost telepathic understanding with Salem Al-Dawsari, he will be instrumental in Saudi’s counter-attacking tactics against the other three bigger teams in the group (Mexico, Argentina and Poland).