Ikhtisar NK Verzej

Former Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has admitted that the high standard of competition in the Saudi Pro League caught him off guard following his move to Al-Hilal. Despite spending years testing himself in England's top flight, the 30-year-old forward has been impressed by the technical and physical demands of Middle Eastern football.

Al Hilal take on Al Diriyah in the Saudi Pro League. Here’s how you can secure your tickets

Darwin Nunez is now 27 years of age and should be at the peak of his powers. The ex-Liverpool forward decided against returning to European football, and potentially the Premier League, during the last transfer window and remains in Saudi Arabia. Gus Poyet has explained to GOAL why his fellow Uruguayan took that stance, with a “crazy” contract being factored into the equation.

Karim Benzema considered making an emotional return to boyhood club Lyon following the termination of his Al-Hilal contract this summer. However, his former agent has revealed why the fairytale move was ultimately impossible to pull off.