‎Easy Goals! Al-Hilal legend downplays Ronaldo’s latest hat-trick

Former Saudi Arabia and Al-Hilal goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Deayea has dismissed Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest hat trick for Al-Nassr, claiming the Portuguese striker relies on tap-ins.

‎Ronaldo scored three as Al-Nassr secured a 5-3 league win over Al-Kholood. Joao Felix registered four assists as the Riyadh giants continue their good form.

‎The five-time Ballon d’Or winner struck in the 66th, 72nd and 81st minutes of the match.

‎Ronaldo now has seven hat-tricks for Al-Nassr since arriving in 2023 and the 67th of his career across spells with Real Madrid (44), Portugal (10), Manchester United (three) and Juventus (three).

‎Despite this huge achievement, Al-Deayea believe Felix deserved the plaudits and not Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring his team’s fifth goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Nassr and Al Kholood. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

‎Speaking on the television programme Dawrina Ghair, Al-Deayea said: “This player [Felix] is an asset to the Saudi League as a whole, not just to Al-Nassr. He is a starter for the Portugal national team, possesses every quality required of a top player, and can perform across multiple attacking positions. He is the heart and soul of the team – with all due respect to Cristiano Ronaldo, who scores easy goals thanks to the service provided by the wingers.”

‎Thursday’s goal rush lifted Ronaldo to 985 career goals – moving him 49 clear of second-placed Lionel Messi on 936 and just 15 away from reaching the unprecedented 1,000 landmark.

‎Yet Al-Deayea warned that potential January reinforcements could complicate Ronaldo’s pursuit of that milestone.

‎”Al-Nassr’s win over Al-Kholood was expected. During the first half, the Yellows scored two goals from about six chances, whereas Al-Kholood made the most of their only two opportunities to score twice.

‎”Al-Kholood dropping deep to defend in the second half was completely natural against Al-Nassr’s attacking firepower. You simply cannot hold out against them and protect a 2-2 draw. Cristiano did his part and should have had five goals today were it not for two strikes being ruled out for offside.

‎”Al-Nassr deserved the victory and all three points. Al-Kholood attempted to preserve the draw by sitting back in the second half, and when you retreat like that, you are bound to concede plenty of goals.”