Al-Riyadh Midfielders 2024/25
Football enthusiasts and Al-Riyadh fans alike have much to celebrate as the 2024/25 season unfolds. The club’s midfield, often regarded as the engine room of the team, boasts a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. This dynamic mix of players brings creativity, defensive solidity, and tactical intelligence to the pitch, ensuring Al-Riyadh remains a formidable force in domestic and international competitions. In this post, we delve into the profiles of each midfielder currently gracing the squad, exploring their backgrounds, strengths, and contributions to the team.
1. Ahmed Al-Farhan
Ahmed Al-Farhan, a Saudi Arabian national, has been a cornerstone of Al-Riyadh’s midfield for several seasons. Known for his exceptional vision and passing accuracy, Al-Farhan orchestrates play with the poise of a seasoned maestro. He joined the club from Al-Hilal in 2021 for a transfer fee of $8 million, bringing with him a wealth of experience from one of the region’s most successful teams. Al-Farhan’s ability to dictate the tempo of the game and his knack for delivering pinpoint through balls make him indispensable. His leadership on and off the pitch has earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike. With over 200 appearances for Al-Riyadh, he continues to be a vital cog in the team’s machinery.
2. Youssef El Jebli
Youssef El Jebli, a Moroccan international, is a recent acquisition for Al-Riyadh, having joined in the summer of 2024 for a fee of $12 million from Belgian side Genk. El Jebli’s versatility allows him to operate as a box-to-box midfielder, combining defensive diligence with attacking flair. His time in Europe honed his tactical awareness and physicality, making him a well-rounded player. El Jebli’s ability to break up opposition play and transition quickly into attack has added a new dimension to Al-Riyadh’s midfield. His technical skills, coupled with his work ethic, have quickly endeared him to the fans, and he is expected to play a pivotal role in the club’s ambitions this season.
3. Rafael Carioca
Brazilian midfielder Rafael Carioca brings a wealth of experience and composure to Al-Riyadh’s midfield. Signed from Atlético Mineiro in 2023 for $10 million, Carioca is a defensive midfielder renowned for his ability to shield the backline and distribute the ball efficiently. His reading of the game and positional sense are second to none, often intercepting opposition attacks before they gain momentum. Carioca’s calm demeanor under pressure and his ability to retain possession in tight spaces make him a reliable presence in the heart of the team. Having played in Brazil, Mexico, and now Saudi Arabia, his adaptability and professionalism have been invaluable to the squad.
4. Salem Al-Dawsari
Salem Al-Dawsari, a Saudi Arabian star, is a dynamic winger who often drifts into midfield to influence play. A product of Al-Riyadh’s youth academy, Al-Dawsari has risen through the ranks to become one of the club’s most iconic players. His blistering pace, dribbling skills, and eye for goal make him a constant threat to opposition defenses. Al-Dawsari’s ability to cut inside from the flanks and unleash powerful shots has resulted in numerous match-winning moments. Having spent his entire career at Al-Riyadh, his loyalty and passion for the club are unmatched. His performances have also earned him a prominent role in the Saudi national team, further cementing his status as a fan favorite.
5. Gustavo Cuéllar
Colombian international Gustavo Cuéllar is another key figure in Al-Riyadh’s midfield. Signed from Flamengo in 2022 for $15 million, Cuéllar is a tenacious defensive midfielder known for his tackling and ability to disrupt opposition play. His physicality and stamina allow him to cover vast areas of the pitch, making him a formidable opponent for any attacker. Cuéllar’s experience in South American and international football has brought a competitive edge to the team. His leadership qualities and commitment to the cause have made him a respected figure in the dressing room. With his contract extended until 2026, Cuéllar is set to remain a vital part of Al-Riyadh’s midfield for years to come.
6. Abdulrahman Ghareeb
Abdulrahman Ghareeb, a Saudi Arabian talent, is a creative midfielder known for his agility and technical prowess. Joining from Al-Ahli in 2023 for a fee of $7 million, Ghareeb has quickly established himself as a key playmaker for Al-Riyadh. His ability to glide past defenders and deliver incisive passes has added a new layer of creativity to the team’s attacking play. Ghareeb’s versatility allows him to operate in various midfield roles, making him a valuable asset for the manager. His performances have not gone unnoticed, earning him call-ups to the national team. At just 26 years old, Ghareeb’s best years are still ahead of him, and Al-Riyadh fans are excited to witness his continued growth.
7. Ivan Rakitić
Croatian maestro Ivan Rakitić joined Al-Riyadh in 2024 on a free transfer after a storied career in Europe, including stints at Sevilla, Barcelona, and Sevilla again. Rakitić’s arrival brought a wealth of experience and technical brilliance to the squad. Known for his precise passing, set-piece expertise, and ability to control the tempo of the game, Rakitić has seamlessly integrated into Al-Riyadh’s midfield. His leadership and winning mentality, honed through years of competing at the highest level, have been instrumental in guiding the team through challenging matches. Rakitić’s presence has also provided invaluable mentorship to the younger players, ensuring a bright future for the club.
8. Mohamed Kanno
Mohamed Kanno, a Saudi Arabian midfielder, is a towering presence in Al-Riyadh’s midfield. Standing at 6’4”, Kanno’s physicality and aerial ability make him a dominant force in both defensive and offensive set-pieces. He joined the club from Al-Hilal in 2022 for a fee of $9 million, bringing with him a reputation for consistency and reliability. Kanno’s ability to break up play and initiate attacks from deep has been crucial to the team’s success. His calmness under pressure and ability to retain possession in tight situations make him a trusted figure in the midfield. Kanno’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, earning him a regular spot in the national team setup.
9. Nawaf Al-Abed
Nawaf Al-Abed, another Saudi Arabian talent, is a versatile midfielder capable of playing in multiple roles. Having returned to Al-Riyadh in 2023 after a spell with Al-Hilal, Al-Abed’s creativity and flair have added a new dimension to the team’s attacking play. His ability to unlock defenses with intricate passes and his eye for goal make him a constant threat. Al-Abed’s experience and understanding of the game have been invaluable in high-pressure situations. His return to the club was met with great enthusiasm from the fans, who remember his earlier contributions fondly. At 33, Al-Abed’s experience and leadership continue to be vital assets for the team.
10. Ayman Yahya
Ayman Yahya, a young Saudi Arabian prospect, is one of the most exciting talents in Al-Riyadh’s midfield. At just 22 years old, Yahya has already shown glimpses of his immense potential. His pace, dribbling skills, and ability to take on defenders make him a thrilling player to watch. Yahya’s development has been carefully managed by the club, and he is gradually becoming a regular feature in the starting lineup. His performances have also earned him recognition at the international level, with call-ups to the Saudi national team. With his best years ahead of him, Yahya represents the future of Al-Riyadh’s midfield.
11. Ever Banega
Argentinian veteran Ever Banega joined Al-Riyadh in 2023 from Al-Shabab, bringing with him a wealth of experience and technical brilliance. Known for his exceptional passing range and set-piece expertise, Banega has been a key figure in the team’s midfield. His ability to control the tempo of the game and deliver decisive passes has been instrumental in Al-Riyadh’s attacking play. Banega’s experience in top European leagues, including La Liga and Serie A, has added a layer of sophistication to the team’s style of play. Despite his age, Banega’s intelligence and technical skills continue to make him a valuable asset.
Conclusion
Al-Riyadh’s midfield for the 2024/25 season is a blend of experience, youth, and international talent. Each player brings unique qualities to the table, ensuring the team remains competitive on all fronts. From the leadership of Ahmed Al-Farhan and Gustavo Cuéllar to the creativity of Youssef El Jebli and Abdulrahman Ghareeb, the midfield is well-equipped to handle the challenges of modern football. With the guidance of seasoned professionals like Ivan Rakitić and Ever Banega, and the promise of young stars like Ayman Yahya, Al-Riyadh’s midfield is poised to be the driving force behind the club’s success this season. As the campaign unfolds, fans can look forward to thrilling performances and memorable moments from this exceptional group of players.
