“He’s turned into Al-Nassr’s Rashford”, “Get him outta here” - Fans furious with ‘fraud’ playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in line-up vs Al-Orobah
Al-Nassr fans have criticized Stefano Pioli's decision to name Talisca alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in the side's starting XI against Al-Orobah at the Al-Awwal Park on Saturday, October 5. The Knights of Najd have been in good form since the Italian manager took over, winning two league games on the bounce.
Ahead of the game, the club revealed their starting XI on X. The 4-3-3 formation sees Ronaldo lead his side's attack alongside Sadio Mane and Talisca. However, fans were furious with the inclusion of the Brazilian in the lineup.
Talisca has failed to hit top form this season, failing to impress the fans. In nine games across competitions this season, he has managed just three goals and created no assists. Check out how fans reacted to his inclusion in the side's lineup against Al-Orobah:
One fan criticized the manager for playing the Brazilian star upfront alongside Ronaldo, saying:
"Italian Pioli will follow Castro. When a player is complimented, he drags his feet on the field."
Another fan suggested that Pioli should have started fellow Brazilian forward Wesley rather than Talisca:
"Wesley should've started ahead of talisca," the fan wrote.
"Talisca for fofona next season we will cook," another fan added.
Another fan referred to Talisca as a 'fraud':
"Fraud talisca = No hattrick," the fan tweeted.
One fan slammed the Al-Nassr star saying:
"Talisca never put much effort into the pitch before. Now he's turned into Al Nassr's "Rashford", who is always put in the starting lineup (for what reason remains a mystery)."
Another added:
"Get Talisca outta here man."
Al-Nassr fans will hope that the attacking trio of Talisca, Sadio Mane, and Cristiano Ronaldo can help the club secure a third straight league win under Stefano Pioli. A victory would bring them within one point of their rivals Al-Hilal, who are playing Ah-Ahli later in the day.
How has Talisca performed since joining Al-Nassr?
The Brazilian star, who can operate as an attacking midfielder and forward, joined the Saudi club in 2021 from Chinese club Guangzhou FC for a reported $9.5 million.
In his first season at the Al-Nassr, he registered 21 goals and two assists in 30 matches across competitions, finishing as the club's highest goalscorer. The following season, he also finished as the club's leading goalscorer with 21 goals and two assists in 27 games.
Last term, playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, he recorded his highest goal contribution so far for the club, posting 25 goals and four assists in 25 games in all competitions.
Despite his slow start to the current season, the Brazilian will be hoping to find his form as the season progresses.