Saudi Team of the Week: Ahmed Hegazy is a rock for Al Ittihad, Ever Banega also keeps shining

Here’s what the latest SPL Team of the Week looks like:

Goalkeeper: Mohammed Al Owais (Al Ahli Jeddah)

The 29-year-old made eight saves in an encouraging 2-1 victory against floundering 2018/19 champions Al Nassr, including a vital penalty stop from Abderazzak Hamdallah at 0-0.

Right-back: Abdullah Tarmin (Al Ahli Jeddah)

The 23-year-old put in a measured display in the victory against Nassr which moved them up to second. Produced nine interceptions.

Centre-back: Ahmed Hegazy (Al Ittihad)

Egypt centre-back – on loan from West Bromwich Albion – continues to be a class apart in the Kingdom. Made 16 interceptions for his fourth-placed employers in 1-1 Al Shabab draw, plus sits top for headers won in own penalty area with 18 from six run-outs.

Centre-back: Igor Rossi (Al Faisaly)

Dominant figure in 2-0 Al Raed win which kept Faisaly fifth. Only Al Batin’s Saad Al Khayri (73) has made more interceptions than the Brazilian (69).

Left-back: Sari Amr (Abha)

Veteran helped shut out Al Taawoun, losing the ball just once in his half. Abha are four points from danger, in ninth.

Midfielder: Alexander Merkel (Al Faisaly)

Former AC Milan and Udinese midfielder is a growing SPL force. Made 14 recoveries against Raed in a deeper defensive position.

Midfielder: Ever Banega (Al Shabab)

Banega’s majestic influence witnessed an 89-per-cent pass accuracy registered in 1-1 draw with Al Ittihad. Shabab, though, have dropped to third after just one win from four fixtures.

Midfielder: Driss Fettouhi (Al Ahli Jeddah)

Moroccan midfielder broke his Ahli duck in style, scoring a refined free-kick and resounding penalty-kick against Nassr. Continues to look a smart recruit from relegated Al Hazem.

Right wing: Mohammed Al Kuwaykbi (Ettifaq)

Low finish in the 4-2 triumph against Damac was dynamic Saudi Arabia winger’s first since February. This built on the previous round’s assist in the stalemate with Nassr.

Centre forward: Ahmed Abdoh Jaber (Al Wehda)

Wehda’s last-gasp hero pounced again to end holders Al Hilal’s unbeaten start. Intelligently finished in the roof of the net in the 91^st minute, securing a 2-1 victory and repeating his late antics from match-week one’s meeting with promoted Al Qadsiyah.

Left wing: Naim Sliti (Ettifaq)

Tunisian creator is, arguably, the division’s form player. Scored two goals from three shots v Damac, building on previous effort versus Nassr by the 10^th-placed outfit.