10 RSL debutants who've made instant impact | OneFootball

Every year, a new band of players arrives in the Roshn Saudi League determined to make their mark, and this season is no different.

With the league now breaking for FIFA internationals, we reflect on only 10 RSL debutants who've make an immediate impression across the campaign's opening four rounds.

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Theo Hernandez - Al Hilal

Labelled one of the standout signings of the summer, the France full-back has shown exactly why with a string of impressive displays for Al Hilal.

Such is Hernandez’s attacking adventure that he has already two goals to his name, pushing forward at every opportunity to join in with the Al Hilal attack, creating overlaps as the 2023-24 champions look to overwhelm their opposition on either flank. An astute addition from AC Milan, indeed.

Theo Hernandez scores for Al Hilal at Al Ahli

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Joao Felix - Al Nassr

Arriving in Riyadh from England's Chelsea with something of a point to prove, the Portuguese star has more than answered his critics.

Felix’s partnership up front with countryman Cristiano Ronaldo is already one of the league’s most dangerous, with the former scoring five goals to sit atop the race for the golden boot. There's also been an assist, too, for good measure.

But aside from the numbers, it’s the way Felix has seamlessly slotted in at Al Nassr that has been most impressive. Almost immediately, he looks at home at the table-toppers.

Joao Felix on the scoresheet for Al Nassr again, this time v Al Riyadh

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Mateo Retegui - Al Qadsiah

Having won the top-scorer award in last season's Serie A with Atalanta, the Italian international landed in the RSL amid plenty of hype as Al Qadsiah sought to go even better than their fourth-placed finish last term.

With three goals in four appearances for his new employers, including a brace on debut - his 14 shots rank as the equal-third most in the league - the early signs are really promising for Retegui. Clearly, Al Qadsiah have landed a diamond.

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Joshua King - Al Khaleej

It was one of the more under-the radar-moves of the off-season, but the former Toulouse striker has been a revelation since joining Georgios Donis’ side.

Joint-second in the race for the golden boot with four goals, alongside two-time winner Ronaldo, King has been a constant threat in the Al Khaleej attack, evidenced by his 11 shots so far.

The Norwegian international's considerable contribution has helped the Saihat-based side initially to an impressive start, with two wins in their opening two games.

Al Khaleej new boy Joshua King in the goals again as hosts defeat Al Fayha

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Enzo Millot - Al Ahli

If there was a missing piece of the puzzle for Matthias Jaissle’s side, it might just be Enzo Millot. The VfB Stuttgart playmaker was much-sought after in the summer, especially among Europe’s elite, and his early performances at Al Ahli have shown why.

An assist on debut, with a superb ball for Ivan Toney against NEOM SC, conveyed all Millot’s class and quality. With more of that to come, the Frenchman shapes as a decisive figure for the Asian champions in their quest for yet more silverware this season.

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Alexandre Lacazette - NEOM SC

There was always going to be a question mark over how quickly NEOM SC could settle into their debut season in the RSL. The conjecture would explain their investment in the experience and leadership of Lacazette, which has instantly proved a shrewd decision by the Tabuk-based side.

All Lacazette’s years of big-league know-how have come to the fore, with three goals and an assist to fire NEOM SC to three straight wins. That’s seen them shoot up to fourth in the table ahead of their huge clash with Al Qadsiah following the international break.

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Ramiro Enrique - Al Kholood

A signing made in the final days of the transfer window, the Argentine has hit the ground running since joining from MLS side Orlando City, with two goals in his first three games in the RSL.

Those contributions have been vitally important, helping the Ar Rass club to back-to-back victories before the break to ensure they maintain the optimism engendered by their historic takeover by the Harburg Group. Enrique looks a real steal.

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Mohau Nkota - Al Ettifaq

Al Ettifaq’s play has been sporadic through the opening rounds, but the form of the South African starlet has been impressive across the board.

A goal on debut, in a 2-1 win at home to Al Kholood, saw Nkota announce his arrival in the RSL in stunning fashion, while an assist against Damac last time out helped Al Ettifaq earn their second success of the season to keep in touch with those towards the top of the table.

Mohau Nota scores on debut for Al Ettifaq v Al Kholood

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Angelo Fulgini - Al Taawoun

It’s been another impressive start to the season for Pericles Chamusca’s Al Taawoun. A huge part of that has been Fulgini who, having only recently arrived on loan from RC Lens, the Frenchman has nevertheless ingratiated himself with supporters in Buraidah.

A pair of assists in Al Taawoun’s 4-1 win against Al Ettifaq was a definitive demonstration of Fulgini’s ability. Subsequently, it provides plenty of promise for what lies ahead as Al Taawoun look to play a prominent role in the fight for the top four once again.

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Jason - Al Fayha

After just about staving off relegation last season, it’s been a much more positive beginning this term for Al Fayha, who have two wins from their first four outings.

Former Valencia attacker Jason has been influential in that burst from the blocks, with his new side's victories coming when he has either scored or provided an assist.

With Alfa Semedo also impressing early, if Jason can create a deeper connection with the Bissau-Guinean midfielder, then keep an eye on Al Fayha enjoying a far better time of it this term.