This time last year, Ruben Neves was in the final negotiations for a contract that would lift him into the super-elite of football’s earners.
The midfielder had the real promise of senior club silverware, too, something lacking in a distinguished career spread across the top division of his native Portugal, with Porto, and in the upper tier of England, with Wolverhampton Wanderers. He was about to sign for Al Hilal, regular champions of a transforming Saudi Pro League.
In his early 20s, Neves used to be praised as being the best footballer in the English Championship, so powerfully did he galvanise Wolves to promotion to the Premier League in 2017/18.
He was deemed a little unlucky, that summer, not to be included in Portugal’s World Cup plans. But Neves was still only 21, and there would be many opportunities ahead.
Euro 2024, where Portugal begin their campaign on Tuesday against the Czech Republic, may be his best yet. Neves is at his third major tournament, hopes to pass 50 caps while there, and to add another medal to a highly decorated year.
Yet, pending his first appearance in Germany, he is aware of muttered scepticism about how close he, at 27, can truly be to his peak. The doubts stem from his having left one of the leading European domestic leagues to move to the Gulf.
And he is among a significant group of players at Euro 2024 hearing those doubts. Had he tuned into coverage of Sunday evening’s Serbia versus England match, he would have picked up a prevailing – though by no means unanimous – tone that questions how sharp, how well-conditioned, how competitive players who have spent the past 10 months in Saudi Arabia can be.
There were certainly dismissive voices across the media on Monday about Neves’ Al Hilal teammate Aleksandr Mitrovic as he led Serbia’s forward line against England.
On British television one pundit explicitly wondered if Mitrovic had declined in effectiveness since, last summer, he moved from London, and Premier League Fulham – this despite his 40 goals in 43 games across club competitions for the Saudi champions.
On French radio, a commentator judged the club environment Mitrovic works in as “a minor league,” noting that Mitrovic – who, like Neves, spent a successful portion of his career in English football’s second tier – boasts a fabulous goalscoring record in the Championship and in the Pro League, but a much lower ratio of goals per game from his time with Fulham in the Premier League.
But Mitrovic’s form, with Al Hilal and with Serbia, where he has scored 58 times in 92 caps, are arguments enough for Serbia manager Dragan Stojkovic to put him at the head of a hierarchy of centre-forwards that also includes Juventus’s Dusan Vlahovic and AC Milan’s Luka Jovic.
More than that, Stojkovic welcomed last summer’s move of two of his leading players, Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, to Al Hilal, because it meant them linking up, week in week out, and reinforcing what has long been a successful axis between central midfield, Milinkovic-Savic’s domain, and centre-forward, for Serbia.
Confronting the perception that Mitrovic, who quit Fulham for Al Hilal, and Milinkovic-Savic, who left Lazio, had somehow lowered their standards, Stojkovic smiled: “Yes, they have made a problem for me, but not in the way people think.”
The “problem” is simply in how Stojkovic now distributes his time observing his players during the club season. “It just means, besides all the other games I’m watching, I’m committed to watching the Saudi Pro League.”
Doing so reassured Stojkovic that Mitrovic’s appetite for goals remains fierce and that Milinkovic-Savic can still dominate a midfield, as he did against England when Serbia upped their game in Monday’s second half, albeit without finding the equalising goal to Jude Bellingham’s early header.
There is a strong Saudi subtext to these Euros, be it scepticism about the motives behind the ambitious state-backed spending in the Pro League, or curiosity about standards.
Neves and the Serbian pair are among 14 players from the Pro League at the 32-nation Euros, and among 18 employed by clubs in the Gulf, a significant rise on previous European Championships.
Nicolae Stanciu, who plays in Saudi Arabia with Damac, scored the first goal in Romania’s shock 3-0 Group E win against Ukraine on Monday.
It’s a reflection of the increasing global spread of top talent. At the 16-country Copa America beginning on Friday in the US, there will be four players under contract at Saudi clubs. Proudly representing the UAE’s league and the reigning Asian club champions, the Copa will also have Al Ain’s dynamic Paraguayan Kaku on its cast list.
The impact is felt on every continent. At the 24-team Africa Cup of Nations in January, there were 25 Pro League employees on the starting grid.
And if some of the stars among them had disappointing tournaments – Al Nassr’s Sadio Mane with Senegal, Al Ahli’s Riyad Mahrez with Algeria – it would be hard to blame their league for that, when Ivory Coast, who came back from a desperately poor group phase to claim the Afcon title, were so indebted to the midfield strength provided by Seko Fofana, who spent the first half of the season at Al Nassr, and Franck Kessie, of Al Ahli.
There may yet be a Pro League employee lifting the European Championship trophy come July 15th, too, if Spain – who have selected Al Nassr’s Aymeric Laporte – or France – who recalled N’Golo Kante of Al Ittihad – or the Netherlands – with whom Giorgino Wijnaldum, of Al Ettifaq, is closing in on 100 caps – make it to the Berlin final.
Or possibly there may more than one, if Neves’s Portugal repeat their Euros success of 2016. Had Portugal manager Roberto Martinez picked the squad he wanted, free of injury, there would probably be a trio of Saudi-based players in his party. Otavio, the Al Nassr player, dropped out of contention with fitness problems.
Portugal's main man, meanwhile, enters the Euros on Tuesday. And Cristiano Ronaldo will be closely scrutinised against various criteria.
There’s his advancing years – 39 is a phenomenal age for an attacking footballer to still be mastering a sport of high pressing and whiplash speeds.
There’s his club and the league he plays pathfinder for. Ronaldo, more than anybody at Euro 2024, will be judged on how well-prepared a season with Al Nassr has left him for an elite international tournament.
The numbers offer a compelling argument. “It’s about what players are doing day after day,” said Martinez on his keeping faith with Ronaldo, Portugal’s leading scorer of all time and also their main marksman through an impeccable qualifying campaign. “Let’s talk about the statistics. A player who scores 44 goals in 45 games for his club is showing his consistency.”
Other international managers have, like Stojkovic, started paying closer attention to the Pro League this season and actually sees advantages for European players in being in the Saudi set-up. The Pro League paused during January and February’s Asian Cup, which acted as a useful winter break.
Conditions during the warmer months, meanwhile, make for a fine test of a player’s endurance, ahead of a European summer.
“With high temperatures and humidity, it is a different context in Saudi Arabia,” noted Didier Deschamps, the France head coach, while he was assessing whether to recall Kante after a two-year absence from Les Bleus’s squads. “And you sometimes see the impact of that in the last third of matches.”
In the examination of stamina to come over the next three weeks, the likes of Ronaldo, Neves and Milinkovic-Savic may find reserves that others at these Euros start to envy.
How%20to%20avoid%20getting%20scammed
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Ready Player One
Dir: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn, Mark Rylance
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The%20specs
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20Z%20FOLD%204
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
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COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Letstango.com
Started: June 2013
Founder: Alex Tchablakian
Based: Dubai
Industry: e-commerce
Initial investment: Dh10 million
Investors: Self-funded
Total customers: 300,000 unique customers every month
Analysis
Maros Sefcovic is juggling multiple international trade agreement files, but his message was clear when he spoke to The National on Wednesday.
The EU-UAE bilateral trade deal will be finalised soon, he said. It is in everyone’s interests to do so. Both sides want to move quickly and are in alignment. He said the UAE is a very important partner for the EU. It’s full speed ahead - and with some lofty ambitions - on the road to a free trade agreement.
We also talked about US-EU tariffs. He answered that both sides need to talk more and more often, but he is prepared to defend Europe's position and said diplomacy should be a guiding principle through the current moment.
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
Expert advice
“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”
Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles
“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”
Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”
Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
PROFILE OF SWVL
Started: April 2017
Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport
Size: 450 employees
Investment: approximately $80 million
Investors include: Dubai’s Beco Capital, US’s Endeavor Catalyst, China’s MSA, Egypt’s Sawari Ventures, Sweden’s Vostok New Ventures, Property Finder CEO Michael Lahyani
The biog
Alwyn Stephen says much of his success is a result of taking an educated chance on business decisions.
His advice to anyone starting out in business is to have no fear as life is about taking on challenges.
“If you have the ambition and dream of something, follow that dream, be positive, determined and set goals.
"Nothing and no-one can stop you from succeeding with the right work application, and a little bit of luck along the way.”
Mr Stephen sells his luxury fragrances at selected perfumeries around the UAE, including the House of Niche Boutique in Al Seef.
He relaxes by spending time with his family at home, and enjoying his wife’s India cooking.
Fixtures
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWednesday%2C%20April%203%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EArsenal%20v%20Luton%20Town%2C%2010.30pm%20(UAE)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EManchester%20City%20v%20Aston%20Villa%2C%2011.15pm%20(UAE)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EThursday%2C%20April%204%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ELiverpool%20v%20Sheffield%20United%2C%2010.30pm%20(UAE)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Why seagrass matters
- Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
- Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
- Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
- Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
INDIA'S%20TOP%20INFLUENCERS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBhuvan%20Bam%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fbhuvan.bam22%2F%3Fhl%3Den%22%20target%3D%22_self%22%3EInstagram%3C%2Fa%3E%20followers%3A%2016.1%20million%3Cbr%3EBhuvan%20Bam%20is%20a%2029-year-old%20comedian%20and%20actor%20from%20Delhi%2C%20who%20started%20out%20with%20YouTube%20channel%2C%20%E2%80%9CBB%20Ki%20Vines%E2%80%9D%20in%202015%2C%20which%20propelled%20the%20social%20media%20star%20into%20the%20limelight%20and%20made%20him%20sought-after%20among%20brands.%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EKusha%20Kapila%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fkushakapila%2F%3Fhl%3Den%22%20target%3D%22_self%22%3EInstagram%3C%2Fa%3E%20followers%3A%203.1%20million%3Cbr%3EKusha%20Kapila%20is%20a%20fashion%20editor%20and%20actress%2C%20who%20has%20collaborated%20with%20brands%20including%20Google.%20She%20focuses%20on%20sharing%20light-hearted%20content%20and%20insights%20into%20her%20life%20as%20a%20rising%20celebrity.%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDiipa%20Khosla%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fdiipakhosla%2F%3Fhl%3Den%22%20target%3D%22_self%22%3EInstagram%3C%2Fa%3E%20followers%3A%201.8%20million%3Cbr%3EDiipa%20Khosla%20started%20out%20as%20a%20social%20media%20manager%20before%20branching%20out%20to%20become%20one%20of%20India's%20biggest%20fashion%20influencers%2C%20with%20collaborations%20including%20MAC%20Cosmetics.%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EKomal%20Pandey%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fkomalpandeyofficial%2F%3Fhl%3Den%22%20target%3D%22_self%22%3EInstagram%3C%2Fa%3E%20followers%3A%201.8%20million%3Cbr%3EKomal%20Pandey%20is%20a%20fashion%20influencer%20who%20has%20partnered%20with%20more%20than%20100%20brands%2C%20including%20Olay%20and%20smartphone%20brand%20Vivo%20India.%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENikhil%20Sharma%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fnikkkhil%2F%3Fhl%3Den%22%20target%3D%22_self%22%3EInstagram%3C%2Fa%3E%20followers%3A%201.4%20million%3Cbr%3ENikhil%20Sharma%20from%20Mumbai%20began%20his%20online%20career%20through%20vlogs%20about%20his%20motorcycle%20trips.%20He%20has%20become%20a%20lifestyle%20influencer%20and%20has%20created%20his%20own%20clothing%20line.%3Cbr%3E%3Cem%3ESource%3A%20Hireinfluence%2C%20various%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
WandaVision
Starring: Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany
Directed by: Matt Shakman
Rating: Four stars
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UAE finals day
Friday, April 13
Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
3pm, UAE Conference: Dubai Tigers v Sharjah Wanderers
6.30pm, UAE Premiership: Dubai Exiles v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
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How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDirect%20Debit%20System%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sept%202017%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20with%20a%20subsidiary%20in%20the%20UK%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Undisclosed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Elaine%20Jones%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FINAL RECKONING
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg
Rating: 4/5
LILO & STITCH
Starring: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Rating: 4.5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Voices: How A Great Singer Can Change Your Life
Nick Coleman
Jonathan Cape
