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Former Saudi Arabia international Fahad Al-Harifi has named Joao Felix and Angelo Gabriel as Al-Nassr's two best players right now, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo. Al-Harifi also reserved praise for Al-Nassr boss Jorge Jesus due to their excellent start to the season.
Under Jesus' tutelage, Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr have been in sensational form in the Saudi Pro League. They have been flawless in their nine games to date, accumulating 27 points, and are currently four points ahead of second-placed Al-Hilal.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been an integral part of the Knights of Najd's success, recording 11 goals and two assists in 12 appearances across all competitions this season. However, Al-Harifi ignored the Portugal ace when selecting Al-Nassr's best players right now, stating (via Kooora):
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"I would need many books to praise (Jorge) Jesus. I am completely convinced of him and his training approach. Look at the stability that is happening at Al-Nasr despite the absence of any of the big stars. Jesus addressed the team's needs, and although Joao Felix is the team's precious gem, the most important player in the team over the past month and a half has been the Brazilian Angelo."
He added:
"Angelo is performing at a great level. It is true that he does not score or create many goals, but he performs his roles, breaks up the opponents' formations, penetrates their areas, goes after every ball wherever it goes, and runs the team and the group."
"As for the magical touches and the wonderful addition, they belong to Joao Felix, and I hope that he stays away from injuries, and I think that the coach knows how to deal with him, when to start him and when to keep him on the bench."
On the other hand, Felix has had a strong start at Al-Nassr following his summer transfer from Chelsea. The Portugal international has notably outperformed Cristiano Ronaldo this season, scoring 16 goals and providing five assists in 18 appearances across competitions.
Meanwhile, Angelo has been effective this season for Al-Nassr. Despite traditionally being a winger, the 20-year-old has been deployed as a central midfielder this season and has registered four goals and four assists in 17 appearances.
Al-Nassr secure 4-0 win over Istiklol in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence
Al-Nassr's dominance in the AFC Champions League Two showed no signs of slowing down as they secured an emphatic 4-0 win over FC Istiklol on Wednesday, November 26. Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of the matchday squad for the fifth time this season, with Jorge Jesus opting to rest the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Joao Felix opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a well-taken penalty. Mohamed Simakan then doubled their advantage in the 40th minute with an accurate finish. Al-Nassr ended the second half on a strong note, with Sadio Mane (84') and Ayman Yahya (90+2') scoring to seal the three points.
Al-Nassr are at the summit of Group D with 15 points from five games. They next face Al-Najma Saudi on December 21.
