Al-Nassr head coach Ange Postecoglou has firmly rejected suggestions that his attacking line operates more effectively in the absence of captain Cristiano Ronaldo. The Australian tactician defended his absent talisman after watching his side cruise to a comprehensive 6-2 AFC Champions League Elite victory away at Uzbek outfit Pakhtakor.
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.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of the Al Nassr squad for their AFC Champions League trip to Uzbekistan as head coach Ange Postecoglou opts to rotate his side. The decision comes amid wider security concerns in the region that continue to disrupt the continental tournament.
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