Video: Ex-Captain Claims Al Hilal Plays Without a True Striker
19 January 2026
Overview
Former Al Wehda captain Sultan Al-Layani levels a sharp critique at Al Hilal’s forward line, blaming the duo of Marcus Leonardo and Darwin Nunez for a limited attacking impact in recent matches.
What was said
In an interview on the show “Dawri Ghair,” he argues that Al Hilal is effectively playing without a genuine striker, due to the perceived limitations of the two attackers.
Al-Layani notes that Leonardo and Nunez have combined for 13 goals this season, a figure he deems disappointingly low and suggests that a true goalscorer could lift the team’s numbers higher.
He even hints that one of the two could be phased out in the near future to make room for a different attacking option.
The team is preparing to host Al Fayha on Thursday, January 22, in the 17th round of the Saudi Pro League, while leading the table with 41 points.
Punchline time: If goals were a Wi-Fi signal, Leonardo and Nunez might still be buffering while the defense keeps buffering the applause. And yes, in football, even the calendar can be funnier than the finish in front of goal.
