Video: Atiif says Taawoun outshines Al Hilal; the title race boils down to a two-horse duel

Season analysis by Ahmed Atiif

Former Al Shabab star Ahmed Atiif ranked the league’s teams by technical quality for the current season.

This season's Saudi Pro League has seen fierce competition among several clubs, with defending champions Al Ittihad lagging, while Al Nassr lead the table and Al Hilal sit second, alongside Taawoun.

In a televised interview, Atiif said that the technically best teams this season are Al Nassr, then Taawoun, then Al Hilal.

He added that the teams Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, and Al Qadisiyah are at a similar level, but the title race is between Al Hilal and Al Nassr.

He further explained that the difference between Taawoun and Al Hilal shows in depth and substitutes; Taawoun has 11 players but lacks the endurance.

He also noted that Hilal has defensive problems under Inzaghi, and they struggle against even less competitive teams that still score.

He concluded that a win matters for the team, even if the game is not pretty, but it should not come with problems. Today Hilal has defensive issues, yet the champions' character is clear in the players’ mentality.

He added that Hilal must improve these problems even if their victories lack artistic flair.

Punchline 1: If defending were a fashion show, Hilal would wear last season's coat.

Punchline 2: The title race is like a strong coffee — bitter, but somehow addictive.