da pinnacle： The first half of the campaign has seen many big names step up, but it isn't just the foreign stars who make up GOAL's best XI
da bet7： The Saudi Pro League has headed on its mid-season break after a first half of the 2023-24 campaign has lived up to almost all expectations following the unprecedented summer spending from some of the Middle East's biggest clubs.
In terms of matches, we are just past the halfway stage, and it is Al-Hilal who lead the way having gone unbeaten through their first first 19 games. They hold a seven-point lead over second-placed Al-Nassr, who recovered from an awful start to force themselves back into the title picture.
The season has been littered with impressive performances, and so as the league heads into hibernation for a month, GOAL has had a go at picking our team of the season so far…
Getty GK: Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal)
Bounou's departure from Sevilla to join Al-Hilal might have fallen under the radar compared to some of the other moves Saudi clubs made last summer, but there are few new arrivals who have been as impressive.
The Morocco international replaced Saudi No.1 Mohammed Al-Owais as soon as he arrived in Riyadh, and has played a key role for the leaders' league-best defence. In 17 league appearances, he has conceded just seven goals, and never conceded more than once in a match.
AdvertisementGetty RB: Sultan Al-Ghannam (Al-Nassr)
Many expected Alex Telles to be the primary creative force of Al-Nassr's two full-backs this season, but has instead been Saudi international Al-Ghannam who has most the caught the eye.
The right-back has provided five league assists so far this season, and has also impressed with defensive solidity throughout the campaign.
GettyCB: Ali Albulayhi (Al-Hilal)
Outside of Saudi Arabia, Albulayhi is perhaps best known for his confrontation with Lionel Messi during the 2022 World Cup, and though his antics of winding up the world's best players has continued this season after he came face-to-face with Cristiano Ronaldo, he has also shone for Al-Hilal.
The 34-year-old has shown all his experience through the opening months of the season, forming a strong partnership with another member of this defence…
GettyCB: Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal)
Questions were asked of Koulibaly during the opening weeks of the season as he struggled with a number of fitness issues after arriving from Chelsea, but he has since emerged as a rock at the back alongside Bulayhi for his new club.