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August 29, 2024

Wijnaldum: Surprises at Euro 2024 – Saudi Pro League

The Saudi Pro League’s growing influence was prominently displayed at Euro 2024 in Germany, where 14 Saudi Pro League players were selected to represent their national teams. Many of these players retained their starting positions, challenging the stereotype that moves to Saudi Arabia signal the end of international careers.

N’Golo Kanté exemplifies this trend. Despite not playing for France since March 2022 due to injury and exclusion from Didier Deschamps’ Euro qualification squads, Kanté was reintegrated into the French team after a successful debut season with Al-Ittihad. He was a key figure in France’s midfield, starting every match and helping his team reach the semi-finals.

Another notable SPL representative was Gini Wijnaldum. The Dutch midfielder made headlines by joining Al-Ettifaq during last summer’s record-breaking transfer window, which saw $1 billion spent on top football talents. Under the guidance of Steven Gerrard, Wijnaldum played a crucial role in Al-Ettifaq’s improved season, contributing six goals and five assists across all competitions.

Wijnaldum’s form earned him a call-up to Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands squad for Euro 2024. He made three appearances off the bench, bringing his total international caps to 96.

“It shows that it’s still possible for players to come here to a new league, to improve the league, and still be physically available for their country,” Wijnaldum said. “It also demonstrates how powerful the league is compared to popular belief.

“People were saying that if you go to the Saudi league you’re going there because you’re retiring from professional football in Europe. But it gives a different sign to what those people are thinking. It’s important players represent the Saudi league in Europe; it gives a sign that it’s possible that even if you come here you can still be available for your country.”

 Wijnaldum and the other players in the Saudi Pro League have returned to their club responsibilities after a demanding summer spent playing football for their countries, which included competing in the Copa America and the Olympics in Paris.

Entering his second season of competition, the Dutchman thinks he is in an excellent position to discuss the changes he has seen in Saudi football. He believes the level will only rise if players and facilities keep improving.

“To give my real opinion on the level, I can give it now that I’ve been here a year in Saudi playing against different teams home and away,” the midfielder said. “You can see it in the first half of the season and the second half that when you play the teams a second time it was totally different and that everyone is evolving.”

“Everyone is making big steps in development, but this season, we’re going to see how much the league is really developing. It’s a new year, better players are coming to the league, and the clubs are even better than before. There was already a lot of development last season, but I expect more now because teams are getting better, and new and better players are coming.”

Wijnaldum is adamant that he is committed to continuing to grow. His 16-year career in Europe was fruitful, taking him from Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven in his home country to Newcastle and Liverpool in England and then for a few short stints at PSG and Roma in France.

He won league championships and prizes in Rotterdam, Eindhoven, and Paris. Still, he is most remembered for being an essential part of Jurgen Klopp’s best Liverpool team, which finished first in the 2018–19 Uefa Champions League and second in the Premier League the following year.

It should come as no surprise that Wijnaldum is mentoring the club’s younger players while sharing his expertise with his Etiffaq teammates.

“It’s really important because I came from another football culture than them,” he said. “During my career, I learned a lot and saw a lot, and I still see a lot. So I’m just trying to give them the experience I have and try to help them develop as quickly as possible. Because there are two different football cultures, I try to show them how we do it in Europe … how important it is to put a lot of work into development and that nothing comes by itself.”

Regarding Wijnaldum’s personal late-career growth, his manager is the best tutor he could have. After playing more than 100 appearances for England, Gerrard became a famous player at Liverpool and was one of the best midfielders of his time.

“For me personally, because he was a midfielder, even though I’m in my 30s, I’m still developing because he’s helping me to get better,” he said. “With the meetings we have, with the tips he gives me on the pitch, it’s really useful to have a manager like that.”

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