Al Nassr FC, one of the most successful and popular football clubs in Saudi Arabia, boasts a star-studded lineup that has the potential to dominate both domestically and internationally. With the addition of high-profile players in recent years, the team is a mix of seasoned professionals, international stars, and emerging talents. Let’s take a closer look at Al Nassr’s 2024 lineup and how the squad is shaping up for success in the Saudi Pro League and beyond.

Formation and Tactical Setup

Under the guidance of their head coach, Al Nassr has adopted a fluid tactical setup, typically deploying a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, which balances solid defense with a potent attack. The team’s style of play focuses on quick transitions, possession-based football, and an emphasis on creating scoring opportunities through wide play and central movements.

Goalkeeper: Secure at the Back

One of the key positions in any top team is the goalkeeper, and Al Nassr is fortunate to have a strong presence between the posts. The club’s first-choice goalkeeper in 2024 is Nassr Al-Muwallad. The Saudi shot-stopper has made significant contributions to the team with his quick reflexes, excellent shot-stopping abilities, and leadership at the back. With a solid defense in front of him, Al-Muwallad is crucial in ensuring that Al Nassr maintains their defensive stability in high-pressure situations.

Defenders: A Solid Backbone

In defense, Al Nassr is equipped with a mix of experience and youthful energy. The club boasts a highly reliable central defensive pairing and full-backs who are both solid defensively and capable of contributing to the attack.

• Tomić (Central Defender): One of Al Nassr’s stalwarts in the center of defense, Tomić provides experience, aerial dominance, and composure under pressure. His leadership at the back is invaluable in organizing the defense.
• Abdullah Madu (Central Defender): Known for his strength, speed, and ability to read the game, Abdullah Madu has become a crucial part of Al Nassr’s defensive setup. His understanding with Tomić creates a solid foundation at the heart of the defense.

At the full-back positions, Al Nassr has the ability to push forward and support attacks. Sultan Al-Ghanam on the right and Ali Lajami on the left have the pace and stamina to overlap with the midfield, making them vital in both defending and providing width when attacking.

Midfield: The Engine Room

Al Nassr’s midfield is where the magic happens. The team has a blend of creativity, steel, and versatility in the middle of the park. The combination of experienced playmakers and hard-working midfielders allows Al Nassr to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game.

• Luiz Gustavo (Defensive Midfield): A key figure in the midfield, Luiz Gustavo brings a wealth of experience from top European leagues. His ability to break up opposition attacks, control possession, and distribute the ball with precision makes him a vital player for Al Nassr.
• Anderson Talisca (Attacking Midfield): One of the standout stars, Talisca is a versatile attacking midfielder who can also play as a forward. Known for his powerful shots, creativity, and flair, Talisca is capable of unlocking defenses with his technical ability. His long-range shooting and set-piece prowess are assets to Al Nassr’s attack.
• Abdulrahman Al-Dosari (Central Midfield): A talented and dynamic central midfielder, Al-Dosari is known for his ability to link play and make runs into the attacking third. His work ethic and ability to break up attacks make him an important part of Al Nassr’s midfield trio.

With these players, Al Nassr’s midfield is a formidable unit capable of controlling the tempo of matches, while providing the right balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair.

Attack: Ronaldo and Co. Lead the Charge

The most high-profile area of the pitch for Al Nassr is their attack. The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo in late 2022 brought a level of excitement and expectation that has reverberated across the club and the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo’s ability to score from anywhere, his leadership qualities, and his vast experience in international competitions have made him the focal point of Al Nassr’s forward line.

• Cristiano Ronaldo (Striker): The Portuguese superstar is undoubtedly the most famous player in Saudi football and a key figure in Al Nassr’s quest for domestic and international glory. As the club’s primary goal-scoring threat, Ronaldo’s movement, finishing ability, and leadership on and off the pitch are crucial to the team’s success.
• Vincent Aboubakar (Striker): Alongside Ronaldo, Aboubakar provides additional strength and depth in attack. The Cameroon international is known for his aerial ability, powerful shots, and physical presence. He can either play as the central forward or partner with Ronaldo in a two-striker system.
• Mohammed Maran (Winger): On the wings, Maran offers speed, dribbling ability, and a knack for scoring goals. His direct style of play provides width to Al Nassr’s attack and complements the inside play of Ronaldo and Talisca.

In addition to these attacking players, Abdulrahman Al-Obaid and Sadio Mane, who joined in the 2024 season, bring additional depth and pace to the team’s forward line. With multiple attacking options, Al Nassr can switch between different formations and strategies depending on the opposition.

Substitutes and Depth: Quality Across the Bench

One of the reasons why Al Nassr is so competitive is the depth of their squad. The team has quality players available on the bench who can make an impact when called upon. Players like Mohammed Al-Fateh, Khalid Al-Muwallad, and Yasser Al-Shahrani provide additional strength and versatility in both attack and defense.

The depth in midfield, defense, and attack gives Al Nassr the flexibility to rotate their squad throughout the long season, ensuring that the team remains fresh and competitive across all competitions.

Conclusion: A Lineup Full of Star Power and Potential

Al Nassr’s 2024 lineup is a blend of global superstars and talented local players, each contributing to the club’s ambitions of winning the Saudi Pro League and achieving success in continental tournaments like the AFC Champions League. With players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Anderson Talisca, and Luiz Gustavo, the team has the right mix of experience, skill, and leadership to challenge for major honors.

The team’s strength lies not only in their individual talents but also in their collective ability to work together and implement their tactical approach. With a powerful attack led by Ronaldo, a solid defense, and a dynamic midfield, Al Nassr’s 2024 lineup is set to compete at the highest level and continue its pursuit of glory on both domestic and international fronts.