“If you compare my GPS data from Saudi football to English football, I run even more” - Ruben Neves makes emphatic claim on Cristiano Ronaldo and him
Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves has challenged the view that Saudi Arabian football is less intense than European leagues. Neves, who currently plays for Al-Hilal, believes that he and Cristiano Ronaldo continue to perform at the same physical and competitive level as players in European leagues.
Portugal ace Ronaldo maintained his excellent goalscoring form following his 900th career goal in the 2-1 win over Croatia in the UEFA Nations League last week. He followed it up with a late winner in the 2-1 triumph over Scotland after coming on in the second half on Sunday, September 8. Neves also featured in the second half, making a significant impact from the middle of the park.
There has been an opinion that players playing club football in Saudi Arabia struggle to match the physicality and intensity of those playing in Europe’s top leagues.
However, Neves contends that the Saudi Pro League is just as competitive as the Premier League. He claimed he covers more ground at Al-Hilal than during his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English top flight.
“I invite these people [who question the competitiveness of Saudi football] to watch Saudi football. If you compare my GPS data from Saudi football to English football, I run even more in Saudi football, with the difference that I run at 40 degrees [celsius]," Neves said (via OJogo).
"I feel very well prepared and I think I’m in a great phase physically. Both Cristiano [Ronaldo] and I came on today and we showed again that Saudi football is not inferior to European football, especially in physical terms," he added.
Despite being 39, Ronaldo has remained in excellent shape since his move to Saudi Arabia during the winter transfer window in 2023. He has scored 62 goals in just 68 games across competitions for Al-Nassr and even won the Golden Boot in the Saudi Pro League last season.
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez lauds Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact
Roberto Martinez would have been pleased to see Cristiano Ronaldo bounce back after a disappointing Euros, where he failed to score.
Speaking earlier about Ronaldo’s achievement of scoring 900 career goals, Martinez explained how much he values the forward’s contribution to the team.
"I think scoring 900 goals is not easy. It is a historic, incredible feat, it is an inspiration for several generations and for football," he said. But for me, what is important now is why Cristiano scored the goal. I think it was the performance. Very good, full of intelligence. Our striker is not just about goals. It is important. It is a number for the future, but for us the important thing is now,” Martinez said (Via GOAL)
Ronaldo and Portugal have made a strong start to their Nations League campaign. The Portuguese star will now return to Al-Nassr, where they face a tough clash against Al-Ahli on Friday, September 13.