MW18 Team of the Week: Al Nassr, Al Ittihad star with Retegui & Al Ghannam! | OneFootball

With Matchweek 18 in the books, we bring you the best performers in their respective positions for the round, using the Roshn Saudi League’s unique Performance Index.

The explainer is just below, while you can use the filter option to select the appropriate matchweek.

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Mailson - 90

The Al Taawoun goalkeeper may have been on the losing side at Al Nassr, but he played his role in the visitors keeping the score at 1-0. Mailson led the game for recoveries (16) and good long balls (nine).

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Abdulrahman Al Dakheel - 97

A first goal of the season proved incredibly timely, the Al Hazem defender grabbing the winner three minutes from time to secure the 2-1 triumph at home to Damac.

But Al Dakheel also provided a team-high tackles won (two), interceptions (two) and recoveries (10), while he was equal-best in the match for good long balls (six).

Mohamed Simakan - 93

The Al Nassr defender’s return to the team has coincided with a three-game winning run, including the 1-0 victory at home to Al Taawoun. No one in the Al Nassr line-up delivered more than his three good long balls, with Simakan recording his fifth clean sheet in 12 RSL appearances this term.

Mohamed Simakan celebrates Al Nassr's winner at home to Al Taawoun

Sultan Al Ghannam - 90

The second of Al Nassr’s starring defensive trio this matchweek, Al Ghannam ranked highest in the game for interceptions (four), crosses (six), successful dribbles (four) and chances created (three), while he matched Simakan for good long balls (three).

Inigo Martinez - 90

Completing Al Nassr’s treble, the Spanish centre-back was the usual rock alongside Simakan, keeping Al Taawoun at bay to deliver a sixth clean sheet of the season. Martinez is clearly enjoying his debut campaign in the RSL - and will be crucial if second-placed Al Nassr are to reel in leaders Al Hilal.

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Danilo Pereira - 97

Like Al Nassr in defence, Al Ittihad dominate this week’s midfield after their 2-1 home win against Al Okhdood. Step forward Pereira, who has been a standout for the champions this term.

Against Al Okhdood, the Portuguese led the match for successful passes (93), while no one of his teammates ranked higher for shots on target (two), good long balls (six), interceptions (two), successful dribbles (two) and recoveries (nine).

Danilo Pereira has been amazing for RSL champions Al Ittihad

N’Golo Kante - 94

The irrepressible Frenchman’s headline act on the night was what proved to be the winner against Al Okhdood, while he also provided the assist for the returning Houssem Aouar’s opener. However, Kante was his typical industrious self, posting a game-high successful dribbles (two).

Fabinho - 91

Another Al Ittihad star midfielder, the Brazilian continues to complement fellow title-winner Kante in the centre of the park. Against Al Okhdood, Fabinho ranked third in the encounter for successful passes (73) and topped the hosts for tackles won (two).

Mahamadou Doumbia - 91

The extremely impressive summer addition offered another excellent display, as he contributed a game-high total touches (116), while no one had more shots on target (two) or, ahem, off target (three). Still, it underlines the 21-year-old Malian’s all-action input.

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Khalid Al Ghannam - 94

The Al Ettifaq winger’s season goes from strength to strength, where his double at Al Kholood flipped the game to seal a 2-1 for the visitors to Ar Rass. His second was sublime. Al Ghannam now has seven goals, making him the RSL’s top-scoring Saudi Arabian this season. A fabulous debut campaign with Al Ettifaq.

Mateo Retegui - 93

One half of Al Qadsiah’s prolific pair up front, the Italy international moved to 11 goals for the season with the third goal in his side’s 3-1 win at Al Najmah - their eighth victory on the trot.