Clean-sheet king Casteels praises collective for defiant defence

Gunning for 15th clean sheet of his exceptional debut season in the Roshn Saudi League, Koen Casteels was quick to highlight how it hasn’t been a one-man effort.

OK, the Al Qadsiah goalkeeper was ultimately denied adding to his unparallelled 2024-25 tally on Tuesday night by all-timer Omar Al Somah’s record-extending, injury-time goal. But the 3-1 victory at home to Al Orobah was enough.

It ensured Al Qadsiah will go into Monday’s season finale at Al Hilal in pole position for a third-placed finish upon their return to the top flight.

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Heck, it also kept second place in play, even though Al Hilal have the opportunity on Wednesday to extinguish those hopes with a point at relegation-threatened Al Wehda.

Irrespective of that, the Al Khobar club have enjoyed a fine campaign back at the top table of Saudi football. Casteels, too, given he leads by three in the race for most clean sheets this term and therefore cannot be caught.

It’s why, also, that the Belgium international is a shoo-in for the Golden Glove on offer during the Saudi Pro League’s inaugural Season Awards next week.

“Of course, it’s very nice to have, but it’s not only the goalkeeper,” Casteels said. “It’s the defending of the whole the team. We defend as a team.

"It’s a shame that today we could not get the 15, but I prefer the win, so it’s fine. Like I said, it’s teamwork, and the defence and the goalkeeper are very happy about that.

Casteels added: “It’s the work of the whole team and the whole club. We train a lot on being defensively correct, lining up with all the players and that everybody thinks the same.

“It’s starts with the offence, to the midfielders, to the defenders, to the goalkeeper. It’s nice to get this statistic. But it’s the work of the whole team and we can be very proud of that and build on that.”

The endeavour is reflected in Al Qadsiah’s inclusion in a number of award categories for the 2024-25 campaign.

Two superb local stars have been recognised, in midfielder Turki Al Ammar in the running for Best Saudi Player and colleague Mohammed Abu Al Shamat among the five nominated for Best Young Talent – intriguingly, alongside twin brother Saleh, at Al Khaleej.

Meanwhile, manager Michel has been shortlisted for Best Coach, while another Al Qadsiah luminary could yet pick up an individual award as well.

Julian Quinones struck the opener against Al Orobah on Tuesday night - strike partner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang got the other two - taking the mighty Mexico international to 20 goals in his first season in the RSL.

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As it stands, and admittedly with only one more match to augment his haul, he sits three behind golden boot frontrunner Cristiano Ronaldo.

Continuing the collective theme, though, Casteels paid tribute to the role the Al Qadsiah fans have played in this brilliant return to the big time.

“I think we pleased them today, in the last home game, with the win,” he said. “It’s always nice to have our fans here and play for them. They can look back on a great season.

“Hopefully next week we can get another win and then we’ll see where we end up.”