Al Hilal's super Serb, Milinkovic-Savic continues to elevate star status in RSL

It’s hard, and probably unfair, to try and pinpoint a single reason for Al Hilal’s almost-relentless thrive during the past few seasons.

When a team wins 68 out of a possible 85 matches across two-and-a-half Roshn Saudi League campaigns, losing only five times in the process, there is clearly more than simply a single factor at play.

But a large part of their boon can be traced back to the RSL's history-shaping 2023 summer transfer window and to a pair of acquisitions in particular: midfield dynamos Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Together, the duo have developed into one of the most dynamic and dominant midfield pairings the Saudi Arabian top flight has ever seen.

Take in any of their performances, and there’s a beautiful synchronicity to the way they play and complement each other; after those two-and-a-half years together, they’ve cultivated a telepathy that exists between only the best on-pitch partnerships.

It’s something Milinkovic-Savic has himself acknowledged.

“The year when we came, from the first minute, we feel something special between us in the pitch,” the towering Serbia international said after Al Hilal’s 4-1 win against Al Fayha last week.

“With a player like him, it's easy to play. So I'm happy that he is here with us.”

Milinkovic-Savic channels inner Zlatan Ibrahimovic with stunning overhead

Al Hilal win 4-1 v Al Fayha to go seven points clear again

Just as fortunately, Milinkovic-Savic is here for the long-term: he recently signed an extension to that contract penned three summers ago, keeping him at Al Hilal until 2028.

It was a significant show of confidence in both the club and the RSL from a player who would’ve garnered plenty of interest back in Europe. New deal agreed, Milinkovic-Savic is part of a growing cohort of the “original” big-name recruits to re-commit their peak years to the league.

One of those still to put pen to paper is, Neves. However, his partner in crime at Al Hilal is hopeful the Portuguese star will sign on the dotted line to continue their relationship some time into the future.

“[People] speak a lot about his new contract,” Milinkovic-Savic said. “I hope he signs the contract and we have him here. [He’s] one of the best players.”

Doubtless Neves would say the same of his colleague in return - and he would be right. Now aged 30 and more instrumental than ever, Milinkovic-Savic is almost unassuming in the way he moves around the pitch.

For a player that can so often produce the spectacular, either from the free-kick from distance or with audacious overhead-kicks - see last week's stunner at Kingdom Arena - it feels like his presence almost goes unfelt until he produces the jaw-dropping.

But make no mistake. Milinkovic-Savic is omnipresent.

It’s a level of efficiency that belies the former Lazio captain’s true impact at Al Hilal. For sure, his four goals and three assists this season only go some way to explaining his influence on Simone Inzaghi’s side.

Milinkovic-Savic’s 30 chances created this season sits second within the RSL leaders only to Malcom (35), and more, even, than team tempo-setter Neves (28). Meanwhile, Milinkovic-Savic has offered more shots on goal than any of his teammates, which also ranks inside the top 10 overall in the division.

If there’s a knock on the silky Serbian - and we’re clutching at straws here - it’s perhaps that he doesn’t have more than four goals through the opening 19 matchweeks. To that, he has missed what the statistics record as eight “big chances” from his 46 attempts on goal.

Underlining the 2023-24 RSL title-winner's importance, Milinkovic-Savic sits behind only Neves this campaign for both total passes and passes inside the opposition half.

Also, only centre-back Hassan Al Tambakti ranks higher for tackles at the club as well; a demonstration of Milinkovic-Savic’s ability to get the job done both in attack and defence.

There’s very little that Al Hilal do that doesn’t involve him. Of course, he’s not the sole reason for their success, but he’s a huge part of it. And, having recently inked that new deal, it's a near-guarantee that he will continue to do so.

It’s easy to be cynical about statements made during re-signing videos, but Milinkovic-Savic is an individual that has always felt a strong connection with where he plays.

It’s why he is still so adored by Lazio fans almost three years after leaving the club, as evidenced when he returned early last month to Rome to take in the Serie A clash against AC Milan - and took his place among the fans in the stands.

It’s why, too, that Milinkovic-Savic’s words from his own re-signing video felt from the heart.

“From the first day I arrived, I felt something different - the fans, the club, the spirit,” he said. “Nothing like anywhere else.

“At Al Hilal, every moment has a meaning, every victory has its own taste. Here you learn ambition never stops. I lived my best moments here, and what connects me to this club is more than a contract; it’s a bond between the heart and the crest.

“My decision was simple… I am staying, because the glory is never left behind.”

Most certainly, Milinkovic-Savic’s story at Al Hilal is one of connection. With the club. With the fans. With Neves. And maybe that is what makes him, and Al Hilal, so formidable.