Al Hilal up to second - but Neves promises much more to come

In another sign that they have firmly hit their straps, Al Hilal jumped into second place in the Roshn Saudi League with victory against Al Shabab in the Riyadh derby on Friday night.

Rather ominously for their rivals, though, Ruben Neves says there’s much more to come.

“Yeah, of course,” the midfielder stated following the 1-0 victory at Kingdom Arena, sealed by yet another goal from Marcos Leonardo. “I think after the international breaks stop, we win all the games, so we are in the good way.

"But we still not performing the way we want. We know we can do better. And that's our main target - is to do better and better.”

On Friday, Al Hilal got the better of their capital counterparts. And that, too, when playing the closing stages with 10 men following Kalidou Koulibaly’s straight red on 78 minutes for a studs-up foul on Al Shabab goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe.

Still, Al Hilal saw out the game. With Leonardo lighting up the RSL at the moment - this was the Brazilian’s sixth goal in four RSL appearances this season - the 2023-24 champions have reeled off four successive top-flight wins.

Looking across the competitions, Al Hilal remain unbeaten through all 12 matches this campaign, winning eight on the bounce.

Their rich vein of form is testament to Simone Inzaghi’s tactical acumen. The former Inter Milan manager, appointed in June, has stamped his imprint on the capital club - something Neves, who often drops back from midfield to sit between centre-backs, is embracing.

“Super calm - I'm evolving as a player,” the Portugal international said. “It's very good to have different coaches because we adapt to different tactics, to different ways of thinking about the game. 

“This is extremely beneficial for us as players to be able to experience these tactical differences of each coach. It has been a great job with Mister Inzaghi.

“I have enjoyed it; I have taken great advantage of it to evolve as a player. It has been a great experience for me.”