Are critics watching? Cristiano Ronaldo has 'proved' quality of Saudi football says Al-Hilal star Ruben Neves as former Premier League midfielder makes big GPS claim

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner headed to the Middle East in 2023, following his dramatic release by Manchester United. Ronaldo paved the way for several other household names to join him in a big-spending division that boasts huge ambition.

Neves is among those to have followed his fellow countryman to Saudi Arabia, telling the Portuguese FA’s official website of why football in the region deserves greater credit: “I invite those people [critics] to watch Saudi football. I have said this a few times - if you compare my GPS data from English football to Saudi football, I run even more, but with the difference that I run in 40 degrees [Celsius]. I am in good shape physically. Both Cristiano and I proved that Saudi football has quality.”

Ronaldo registered 50 goals for Al-Nassr last season and has already been back on target for them in the current campaign. He has taken his record-shattering tally of career efforts to 901 – after hitting the net in back-to-back UEFA Nations League fixtures for Portugal.

Quizzed on whether former United, Real Madrid and Juventus superstar Ronaldo can achieve his aim of reaching 1,000 competitive goals – with the evergreen frontman now 39 years of age – Al-Hilal midfielder Neves added: “Of course it is possible. He is already on goal 901 and with Cristiano anything is possible.”

Ronaldo and Neves are preparing to rejoin their respective club sides after helping Portugal to pick up six points from Nations League meetings with Croatia and Scotland. Saudi Pro League action resumes this weekend.