Saudi players to watch going into World Cup opener against Argentina

A guide to the danger men in coach Herve Renard's squad before big Group C kick-off

Saudi Arabia's Mohammed Al Owais catches the ball as the squad's goalkeepers take part in a training session as they prepare for their opening game against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup at the Sealine Training Site, south of Doha, Qatar, on November 21, 2022. AFP

Saudi Arabia midfielder Abdullah Otayf, centre, and teammates take part in a training session for their World Cup opener against Argentina. AFP

Saudi Arabia midfielder Nawaf Al Abed trains for the Argentina game. AFP

Saudi Arabia's French coach Herve Renard, second left, leads training. AFP

Saudi Arabia defender Sultan Al Ghanam controls the ball in training. AFP

Saudi Arabia's players take part in a training session. AFP

Saudi Arabia's Sultan Al Ghanam trains. AFP

With Saudi Arabia getting set to kick off their Fifa World Cup campaign against Argentina on Tuesday, we look at five of the players key to Herve Renard’s side going into their Group C campaign.

Mohammed Al Owais

The goalkeeper has made the position his own of late, supplanting former mainstay Abdullah Al Mayouf. It has been a strange dynamic: Al Owais is usually No 2 to Al Mayouf at Al Hilal, but since he has been promoted with the national team, he has grabbed the opportunity, ahem, with both hands. Al Owais’ reliability, not to mention his sturdy reflexes, were on full display in the September friendly against Ecuador, when he was principally responsible for the 0-0 draw. Considering Saudi’s draw in Qatar – Argentina, Poland and Mexico – he will probably be needed again.

Saudi Arabia keeper Mohammed Al Owais in action in the friendly against Croatia in Riyadh on November 16, 2022. Reuters

Yasser Al Shahrani

The full-back, hugely successful with reigning Asian champions Al Hilal, is one of the most experienced players in the team, with 66 appearances since his debut in 2012. Although he can play on both flanks, Al Shahrani is typically used on the left, where he is an energetic presence both in defence and attack. Tenacious and technically gifted, he was excellent – again – as Saudi qualified for the World Cup top of a group containing Japan and Australia. An important outlet in Renard’s system.

Yasser Al Shahrani of Saudi Arabia battles with Junya Ito of Japan in the World Cup Asian Qualifier Final Round Group B match at Saitama Stadium on February 1, 2022. Getty

Salman Al Faraj

The Saudi captain is another long-time contributor to his national team since making his debut a decade ago. Having been integral to Hilal’s domestic dominance and recent Champions League success – he wears the armband for club, too – the left-footed midfielder is a vital cog in Renard’s side. His quality is unquestioned; a silky controller of possession, Al Faraj is the man who most of Saudi’s play flows through. The only worry, though: injuries have stymied his impact, with Al Faraj even a doubt heading into Qatar.

Saudi Arabia midfielder Salman Al Faraj during a friendly against Croatia, in Riyadh, on November 16, 2022. AFP

Salem Al Dawsari

The talented winger tends to be the ace in Renard’s pack, given his ability to unlock defences with a run and his eye for goal. The Hilal attacker is another of the team with 10 years’ international experience, with his influence growing still. Known for his pace and trickery, Al Dawsari brings an obvious goal threat: last season, he registered nine goals and five assists for Hilal. Versatile enough for either flank, or even up front as a “false nine”, Al Dawsari made his mark at the last World Cup, scoring the late winner against Egypt.

Saudi Arabia's Salem Al Dawsari in action against Croatia. Reuters

Firas Al Buraikan

The young striker, 22, should be key to a Saudi side who struggle for goals. Admittedly, Al Buraikan plies his trade domestically with mid-table Al Fateh, but there is no doubt a dearth of options up front for his national team. Since Renard handed him his debut in 2019, Al Buraikan has gone on to score 11 goals – more than any of his teammates. Still, though, he is not consistent enough, so his place in the starting line-up is not guaranteed. Often, Renard prefers to use him for impact from the bench.

Saudi Arabia forward Firas Al Buraikan, right, is marked by China's midfielder Wu Xi during the 2022 Qatar World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Jeddah, on October 12, 2021. AFP