Hassan Kadesh #14

Profile

Was first selected by Bert van Marwijk back in 2016 but Roberto Mancini was the first national team coach to really give this genial centre-back a run in the team. Born in the eastern city of Dammam, Kadesh became the most expensive Saudi player in history in 2023 with a £12m transfer to Al-Ittihad, a move made even more impressive by the fact that he was just a month short of his 30th birthday and a defender to boot. There were more headlines when he became the joint top scorer for Saudi Arabia in the main stage of World Cup qualification scoring both goals, one in the last-minute, in a crucial win over China. His heading ability has been useful in both areas.

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