MW27 Team of the Week: Ronaldo and Mane lead Best XI!

With Matchweek 27 in the books (check out our must-read Talking Points here), 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 and choose from a number of formations.

The Team of the Week below is pegged to our traditional 4-4-2.

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Samuel Portugal - 91

The Brazilian stopper contributed significantly to new manager Fathi Al Jabal’s debut win, as Al Okhdood saw off Al Fateh 1-0 to massively boost their survival chances. Portugal made five saves in all, while also led the way for the hosts in recoveries (nine).

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Abdulelah Al Amri - 91

While he will no doubt be aggrieved at conceding twice, the Al Nassr centre-back still played in integral role in the RSL leaders’ 5-2 home win against Al Najmah. Al Amri not only topped the game for interceptions (three) and his team for recoveries (seven), but he assisted Abdullah Al Hamdan for the hosts’ first equaliser.

Nawaf Boushal - 91

Like his defensive teammate, the Al Nassr defender recorded an assist to help the table-toppers eventually see off a tricky Al Najmah side, when he teed up Cristiano Ronaldo to make it 4-2. The Saudi Arabian full-back now has five RSL assists this term.

Andrei Girotto - 89

OK, so the Al Taawoun centre-back would typically be expected to make the grade on the back of some expert defending. However, Girotto starred in his team’s excellent 2-2 draw at Al Hilal by scoring both goals. His first drew the visitors level before he then put Al Taawoun ahead as they ultimately secured a precious point.

Salem Al Najdi - 85

The third of Al Nassr’s backline to make Team of the Week, Al Najdi set up Sadio Mane to round off the scoring against the bottom club - a result that eventually moved his side five clear at the summit. Al Najdi proves Al Nassr can hurt opponents from any almost any position.

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Ruben Neves - 93

The ultra-impressive Al Hilal midfielder got his sixth assist of the season when he laid on Mohamed Keite’s opener - a BSF Goal of the Week contender. Neves also topped a number of stats in the match, including successful passes (69), good long balls (seven), chances created (five) and total touches (112).

Mohammed Kanno - 90

Operating alongside the Portugal international, Kanno continued his excellent form this campaign with a typically all-action display against Al Taawoun. The Saudi Arabia midfielder topped his team for recoveries (eight), as second-placed Al Hilal look to keep up with league leaders Al Nassr.

Marcelo Brozovic - 88

The long-time Al Nassr tempo-setter was his usual influential self against the bottom club, contributing both a game-high 66 successful passes and 88 total touches, while he also led the hosts for good long balls (six). Brozovic continues to make the capital club tick.

Houssem Aouar - 84

A nice reminder of the Algeria international’s importance to the RSL champions, Aouar’s headline act in the 1-0 home win against Al Hazem was to assist Abdulrahman Al Obud for the game’s only goal. Otherwise, the Al Ittihad midfielder provided the experience to drive forward Sergio Conceicao’s side.

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Sadio Mane - 98

The Senegal superstar keeps proving instrumental in the title race, netting twice in the come-from-behind victory against Al Najmah. Mane’s first goal was a sublime solo effort, and rightfully is a candidate for that BSF Goal of the Week award, with his second completing the comeback in injury-time.

Cristiano Ronaldo - 96

Of course, an Al Nassr-heavy Best XI wouldn’t be complete without football’s GOAT. Ronaldo returned from injury with a Man of the Match display - it was a fine way to mark his 100th RSL appearance - first putting the hosts 3-2 up before slamming home their fourth.

With the double, Ronaldo moves to 23 goals this term and, crucially, back firmly in the hunt to retain his golden boot.