da dobrowin： The forward was one of a number of Brazilians to shine after the international break, but other superstars aren't having it their own way

da 888casino： After two weeks away for the international break, the Saudi Pro League returned over the past few days, with anticipation having built in the days leading up to matchday six as another global superstar prepared to make his bow in the Middle East.

Having returned from injury, Neymar made his debut for leaders Al-Hilal on Friday, and the Brazil international didn't disappoint as he shone in his new side's 6-1 thrashing of Al-Riyadh. There were wins, too, for Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli, who remain just one point behind the early pacesetters.

Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane kept up their fine scoring form for a resurgent Al-Nassr, while Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq remain in the top five after victory over Abha on Saturday.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from the latest round of Saudi Pro League action…

WINNER: Al-Shabab's new arrivals

Traditionally one of the heavyweights of Saudi football, Al-Shabab have endured a terrible start to the 2023-24 season. After five matches, they were without a win having lost three matches and drawn the other two.

What a relief it must have been, then, for them to finally get off the mark in terms of victories with Thursday's 1-0 win over Al-Feiha. But what made it extra pleasing was that it was their two newest arrivals who made it happen.

Yannick Carrasco's cross was headed in by Roman Saiss for the only goal, but it was not just that moment that helped the duo stand out. Carrasco, who joined from Atletico Madrid just before the transfer window closed, provided flair and creativity in attack, while Morocco defender Saiss was dependable at the back as he helped his new team keep their first clean sheet in 10 matches.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesLOSER: Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema may have scored the only goal of the game against Al Akhdoud as Al-Ittihad got back to winning ways after their dramatic Clasico defeat to Al-Hilal last time out, but that could not save the Ballon d'Or winner from criticism as he got a first taste of the notoriously hard to please Saudi fans.

Benzema was described by Ittihad supporters as being "lazy" and "unwilling" to participate in build-up play while some members of the media have also begun to call out Benzema's performances as being under-par.

He might be being well remunerated, but that won't keep Benzema from coming under the microscope if his performances don't match his salary.

Getty ImagesWINNER: Neymar & Al-Hilal's Brazilians

As the most expensive signing of the Saudi transfer window in terms of transfer fee, much is expected of Neymar at Al-Hilal, and on Saturday fans got a first glimpse at what their club had paid €90 million (£77m/$98m) to acquire from Paris Saint-Germain.

A second-half substitute as he continues to recover from injury, Neymar laid on the assist for his compatriot Malcom to score the fifth goal in his new team's 6-1 win over Al-Riyadh. In fact, a Brazilian had a hand in each of the team's goals, though it was perhaps the least heralded samba star who impressed the most.

Midfielder Michael stole the show with a series of tricks and fancy footwork, which eventually led to him winning a penalty. Signed from Flamengo in 2022, the 27-year-old could make a name for himself if he continues at this level when more and more supporters tune in to watch Neymar.

A special mention, too, must also go to Salem Al Dawsari too, as the Saudi Arabia forward responded to reports that he is about to lose the captaincy to Neymar by scoring two late goals to take his season tally to six in six games; only Ronaldo has more.

Getty ImagesWINNER: Steven Gerrard

Abha are traditionally one of the toughest Pro League teams to beat on their own turf, and so the way that Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq side went about their task was mightily impressive on Saturday. Despite having to wait until the second half to open the scoring, Gerrard's team dismantled their hosts to stay within three points of the summit.

Moussa Dembele grabbed the breakthrough, scoring from a Jordan Henderson assist for the third time in their last two matches, while debutant Demarai Gray proved his class with two assists late on in the 3-1 win.