In recent years, the Saudi Pro League has witnessed an ever increasing standard of football, which has led to the emergence of some outstanding talent.
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Despite this trend of improving football one main question still remains: When will Saudi players move abroad and succeed in Europe?
Al Hilal legend Yasser Al-Qahtani was on the verge of joining former English Premier League champions Manchester City in 2007, but eventually the move fell through.
Since then, no Saudi player has gone on to make a sucessful move out of the continent and, much like Emirati players in the UAE, many of the top players seem to be waiting for one of their peers to make the first bold step out of the country and lead the way for their countrymen.
Here, Sport360 takes a closer look at this season's best performers in the Saudi Pro League that have the ability to ply their trade in Europe.
MOHAMMAD AL-SAHLAWI
Al Nassr
The Al Nassr striker was the second highest goalscorer in the league last season, showing his mecurial talent with 21 goals en route to a second successive Pro League title.
Al-Sahlawi’s keen eye for goal makes him an attractive prospect for any club and, at 28 years-old, should still have his best football ahead of him.
ABDULFATTAH ASIRI
Al-Ittihad
A rising star at Al-Ittihad, the attacking midfielder is a potent threat going forward with trickery and pace in abundance. Add to that a love for direct running and a clinical finish and you have some player in Asiri.
At 21, if Asiri was to move to Europe he would have time on his side when adjusting to life in Europe and the continent's footballing culture. If he could transfer his Pro League form onto the bigger stage, Asiri would be well worth the investment.
AHMED AL-FRAIDI
Al Nassr
Ahmed Al-Fraidi's contribution this season was subtle, but should not be underestimated. His performances improved dramatically and he developed into one of the most effective central midfielders in Saudi Arabia. Were it not for the injuries Al-Fraidi would have played an integral part in Al Nassr's succesful pursuit of the title.
The 28-year-old can play in a variety of positions across the midfield and has the durability to cope with the demands of Europe's more physical leagues.
SALMAN AL-FARAJ
Al Hilal
Considered to be one of the Saudi Pro League's finest players at just 25 years of age, Al-Faraj central to Al Hilal and is one of their most consistent performers.
While Al-Fraidi is not a great scorer of goals, he creates plenty of them for his teammates. His has an ability to open up spaces in opposition defences make him a dream to play alongside and could add creative spark to a number of teams.
MUSTAFA AL-BASSAS
Al Ahli
A key component in Al Ahli’s side, Al-Bassas scored five and assisted eight goals in the Pro League this term and, at just 22 years old, is an attractive prospect for any team in Europe as he has time to improve even more.
Al-Bassas’ positioning is the secret to his effectiveness in Al Ahli’s formation, with his ability on the ball and well-timed runs a concern for any defender trying to mark him.
