"Will shine today, “Good to see them side by side" - Al-Nassr fans react as Pioli names 19-year-old debutant with Cristiano Ronaldo in XI vs Al-Wehda
Al-Nassr fans are excited to see Wesley make his Saudi Pro League debut alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in their clash against Al-Wehda today (September 27). The Brazilian winger has been named in Stefano Pioli's starting lineup for the game at Al-Awwal Park.
Wesley joined Al-Alami from Corinthians in the summer for €18 million, and he's viewed as a huge prospect. He's appeared twice for the Saudi giants thus far but will make his first league appearance today.
The Brazil U20 international lit up the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A before joining Al-Nassr. He registered seven goals and five assists in 84 games across competitions.
The club's sporting director, Fernando Hierro, spoke glowingly of Wesley and fellow Brazilian arrival Angelo Gabriel after their arrivals in the summer. He said (via the Saudi Gazette):
"They are both very talented players, and we made the right decision in bringing them to Al-Nassr."
The Selecao duo perhaps have no better forward in football history to learn from than Cristiano Ronaldo. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been rolling back the years at Al-Awwal Park and has bagged five goals and two assists in six games across competitions this season.
Pioli will take charge of Al-Nassr for his second Saudi Pro League game against Al-Wehda. His side sit fifth in the table, four points behind leaders the unbeaten Al-Hilal.
The Italian coach, formerly of AC Milan, has named Brazilian goalkeeper Bento in goal, with Sultan Al-Ghannam, Mohamed Simakan, Aymeric Laporte and Salem Al-Najdi in defense.
Abdullah Al-Khaibari and Otavio are in midfield, with Sadio Mane in the second striker role. Wesley and Gabriel are on the wings, and Ronaldo leads the line.
Fans are happy with Pioli's team selection. and one fan backed Wesley to have a stellar showing:
"Wesley will shine today."
Another fan was pleased to see Wesley and Angelo selected together:
More fans gave their enthusiastic responses on X (formerly Twitter). One fan is looking forward to seeing Wesley in action:
"Wesley ball (we) will be there."
Another fan talked up Pioli's frontline:
"What a great combination."
One fan expects a Ronaldo masterclass:
"Ronaldo hat trick."
Another fan was pleased with Pioli's decision not to start Anderson Talisca:
"No Talisca (love eyes)."
"The most important thing" - Eduardo Camavinga is using Al-Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo as inspiration
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to astound fans with his longevity, which has seen him flourish despite nearing his forties. Since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023, he has posted an impressive 63 goals and 17 assists in 70 games.
The new generation of talent emerging across the globe look up to the five-time UEFA Champions League. That will include Wesley and Angelo who will learn a lot from one of the all-time greats.
Ronaldo's career reached its height at Real Madrid, where he won four Ballons d'Or. He became Los Blancos' all-time top scorer with 450 goals and 131 assists in 438 games.
Eduardo Camavinga wants to have a long career and has suggested he's studying Ronaldo, whose professionalism is arguably the greatest in history. He said (via The Madrid Zone):
"I have a lot of references, like Cristiano Ronaldo. The most important thing is to have longevity in football, and that means working in the gym and taking care of your body."
Ronaldo is constantly in the gym working on his physique and fitness levels. It's why he's the greatest goalscorer in club and international football history.