Clash of Desert Titans: Mitro locks horns with Mane and Cristiano in Saudi derby

On August 15, Al-Hilal unveiled the signing of Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain for €90 million. It was the most expensive transfer in the history of the Saudi Pro League, the biggest deal ever made outside of Europe, and the Brazilian was given a spectacular welcome when he arrived in Riyadh.

The Saudi giants have already made several other high-profile pre-season signings, including Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves and, perhaps the most impressive name of all, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic - but Neymar's move has clearly topped them all.

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That was the message the club wanted to send, and response to city rivals Al-Nassr, who brought in Cristiano Ronaldo in January, while their historic arch-rivals Al-Ittihad opted for Karim Benzema.

From the perspective of gaining global seriousness, bringing in Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer was priceless. But from a sporting perspective, Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus didn't necessarily need Neymar. In reality, what he really needed was a real "9" - and just four days after Neymar joined the club, he got it with the arrival of Aleksandar Mitrovic.

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Shortly after joining Al-Hilal, he said that it would be "fantastic" to play with the Brazilian, but he didn't miss the former Barcelona and PSG star at all. On the contrary, Mitro has flourished into the top striking force of the Riyadh-based slot.

"We don't have another player in the team with his characteristics. Inside the penalty area, he is ruthless - he is a finisher. Mitrovic has his characteristics as a player and is very important for the team," Jesus said recently about the Serb, who has scored 11 goals in 12 league games.

When you consider that Cristiano Ronaldo is also in top form at the moment with 15 league goals, the Friday night game in Riyadh brings together not only the two best teams in Saudi Arabia but also its two best players.

The Portuguese will, of course, be expected to be more successful in this eagerly awaited showdown between two top strikers, but Mitrovic, who has 18 goals in 19 games in all competitions in the blue shirt, simply cannot be overlooked.

Mitrovic has already surpassed Neymar and Benzema this season, and if he manages to steal the glory from CR7, it would be a hell of a hat trick.

SAUDI PRO LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 15

Friday

18.00: (2.20) Al Faiha (3.30) Dhamk (3.10)

21.00: (1.85) Al Hilal (3.60) Al Nassr R. (3.80)

Saturday

18.00: (1.55) Al Fateh (4.00) Al Taee (5.40)

18.00: (4.50) Al Akhdoud (3.50) Al Ettifaq (1.75)

21.00: (2.00) Al Shabab R. (3.35) Al Taawon (3.50)

21.00: (2.40) Al Raed (3.30) Al Wahda (2.75)

***odds are subject to change