Al-Hilal’s Serbian Connection that is Powering Their Title Challenge in the Saudi Pro League
In Al-Hilal’s pivotal 3-0 win over Riyadh and title rivals Al-Nassr last Friday, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic grabbed the opener in the 64th minute before Alexandar Mitrovic grabbed a quick brace in the 92nd and 93rd minutes to seal a scintillating win that extended their lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League to seven after 15 rounds of fixtures.
Going back to the summer, it is the signing of Neymar that grabbed all the headlines. The acquisitions of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic went under the radar. However, with the Brazilian sidelined due to an ACL injury, the two Serbians’ influence has come to the fore as they have taken responsibility to power Al-Hilal.
Aleksandar Mitrovic has been among the goals with 13 to his name, just two behind leading scorer Cristiano Ronaldo. Mitrovic was a proven goal scorer before coming to the SPL. However, he has been in devastating form in front of goal as Al-Hilal has reaped the benefits of some shrewd business in the summer.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been equally influential for Al-Hilal, playing from midfield. The Serbian has scored 5 goals in 12 appearances in the Saudi Pro League. He has also provided four assists in the SPL, giving him nine goal involvements in a commanding presence for Al-Hilal.
Al-Hilal will hope that the Serbian connection down their spine will continue to flourish as they challenge in the SPL and the AFC Champions League.
