Al Hilal counting on experienced internationals like Ighalo against Real Madrid

Al Hilal’s Argentine coach Ramon Diaz has stated that the club will be looking to their players who are experienced internationals to help them manage the Club World Cup final against Real Madrid. 

Al Hilal are something of a surprise package and have made the final on the back of a shock victory over Flamengo in the semifinals. 

They find themselves being the underdogs again in the final, where they will take on Real Madrid, but coach Diaz believes that they have an advantage in a match he described as ”one of the most important things" that has "happened to them in recent times.”

Speaking ahead of the final, Diaz said, "The good thing we have is that our players already have many matches internationally, and that will allow us to manage times.”

In addition to Nigeria’s Odiion Ighalo, Al Hilal also have former Atletico Madrid forward Luciano Vietto, ex-Porto forward Moussa Marega, and ex-Benfica and Watford winger André Carrillo. 

Al Hilal were also the biggest suppliers of players to the Saudi national team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and had 12 players in the final squad, including star forward Salem Al-Dawsari who scored against Argentina in Saudi Arabia’s famous Cup win. 

He also called on his players to play their most compact game yet and avoid mistakes at the back to give them the best chance against Real Madrid. 

“We have to be very smart not to make mistakes, press in areas where they have a major attack. If we maintain the concentration we had in the last game, we will surely enjoy this final very much" Diaz said. 

The coach also had a special plan for Benzema and recognised that his team would need to watch the French forward closely. Diaz believes that in order to get a favourable result against Real Madrid, they must "not give him [Benzema] space and press him in all areas". 

Al Hilal will be looking to become the first Asian team to win the Club World Cup if they defeat Real Madrid, but they will definitely have their work cut out against the reigning La Liga and UEFA Champions League champions.