"We need better players" - Fans unhappy with Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr teammate's inclusion in XI for SPL clash
Supporters of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr were up in arms after the club announced the starting XI to face Al-Ahli Saudi at home on Friday, September 13. The Saudi Pro League match sees Anderson Talisca start alongside the Portuguese and Sadio Mane in the front three.
Al-Nassr announced the starting XI on their social media accounts:
Here's the team's starting XI vs Al-Ahli:
- Bento
- Sultan
- Simakan
- Laporte
- Al Najdi
- Al Khaibari
- Brozovic
- Otavio
- Sadio Mane
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Talisca
A section of fans online have ripped into the squad talking about the lack of talent in the team, especially targeting forward Talisca. Here are some of their reactions:
"Talisca has to leave as soon as possible. We need better players," posted a supporter.
"Idk, I don't like Talisca. He's slow," opined a user.
The user went on to suggest an alternative forward they could have started instead.
"I don't understand why Talisca is starting instead of Angelo Gabriel?," the user added.
Another fan agreed with the user but suggested another player to start instead.
"Can we remove Talisca for Wesley?," the fan posted.
A user opted not to share a replacement but just wanted Talisca out of the starting XI.
"Talisca out," they posted a two-word reply.
A supporter indicated that they are heartbroken at the news of Talisca starting.
""Talisca starting” 💔," the user shared.
The Brazilian signed for the Saudi Pro League side in 2021 from Chinese Super League's Guangzhou in a deal worth $9.5 million. The 30-year-old has found the back of the net 70 times in 89 appearances while also contributing with 10 assists.
Having scored twice for the club in as many league appearances this season, it is a little confusing why some fans are negative towards the striker.
Cristiano Ronaldo makes Al-Nassr return on the back of achieving goal milestone
One Al-Nassr player who is not getting any hate from the club's supporters is five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese crossed another goal milestone this week while on international duty.
During Portugal's UEFA Nations League match against Croatia, he scored the 900th goal of his career, becoming the first male player to officially cross the milestone. He went one step ahead by coming off the bench to score an 88th-minute winner in Portugal's next match against Scotland.
With goals number 900 and 901 behind him with Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo will be eager to add to that tally when his side faces off against Al-Ahli.