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Former Super Eagles and Manchester United ace Odion Ighalo is among the Saudi Pro League stars that made the team of the season. Ironical Al Nassr super star Cristiano Ronaldo failed to make the list despite scoring 14 goals following his move to the Saudi side from Manchester United.
The 38-year-old joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in January after his contract at Manchester United was torn up following a bombshell interview, but a difficult settling in period saw Ronaldo struggle for immediate form.
Al-Nassr finished second in the Pro League standings, five points behind eventual title winners Al-Ittihad who on Thursday unveiled Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema as their latest acquisition.
Ronaldo failed to score in his debut game for his new club before going on to score five goals in his next two outings as he began to settle in new and unfamiliar surroundings.
opta pro league team of the season
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The Portuguese superstar hit peaks and dips as the second half of the Saudi season progressed, scoring a hattrick in his fifth appearance before enduring a two match goalless spell.
But it was Ighalo that stole the show in the heart of attack.
The former Watford and Man United centre forward took the star role in attack and was flanked by Feras Albrikan and Mourad Batna.
Ighalo outperformed the five-time Ballon d’Or winner by scoring 19 goals in 27 games on his way to becoming the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer for the season.
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The statistical team of the season was based on a 4-1-2-3 formation, giving Ronaldo the chance to be included in either the strikers role or on one of the wings but he was left out altogether.
Two of Ronaldo’s team-mates were included as Brazilian midfielder Luiz Gustavo was picked in centre midfield and Ghislain Konan at left-back.
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