In Al Khobar, where Al-Qadsiah’s rise has brought fresh attention to Saudi football’s eastern coast, Julián Quiñones remains central to Brendan Rodgers’ plans even after a narrow defeat to Al-Hilal. The Mexico international scored again in a 3-2 loss, taking his league total to four for the season and reinforcing the case made by his manager that he belongs in elite company.
Quiñones is level with Cristiano Ronaldo on four goals, although both remain seven behind division-leading scorer Ivan Toney. The numbers did not prevent Al-Qadsiah from falling to one of the league’s heavyweight sides, but they underlined the forward’s continuing influence in Rodgers’ attack.
Rodgers sees a forward for the highest stage
Rodgers, who has worked with Luis Suárez at Liverpool and Jamie Vardy during his long spell in English football, believes Quiñones has the qualities to operate at the game’s most demanding level. The Northern Irish coach said that, judged against the Premier League’s standard, there is no reason the Mexican could not play there.
He placed particular weight on Quiñones’ blend of ability and character, while arguing that the forward’s place among the 30 Ballon d’Or nominees is justified. Rodgers pointed to his goalscoring record, his World Cup contribution for Mexico and the decisive moments he has delivered, saying those achievements make his nomination deserved.
The recognition has prompted debate beyond Saudi Arabia, but Rodgers sees a player whose recent body of work supports the distinction rather than an unexpected name on a prestigious list.
A goal against Al-Hilal, but no points
Al-Hilal, led by Simone Inzaghi, struck first through Gabriel Martinelli in the 21st minute. Al-Qadsiah answered ten minutes later when Musab Al-Juwayr supplied a cross for Quiñones, whose forceful header beat goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and brought the match level.
The contest remained open deep into the second half before Rúben Neves restored Al-Hilal’s lead in the 77th minute. Sergej Milinković-Savić made it 3-1 seven minutes later, leaving Al-Qadsiah with too much to recover. Mateo Retegui reduced the deficit three minutes after Milinković-Savić’s goal, but the visitors held on for a 3-2 victory.
For Al-Qadsiah, the evening ended without a result, yet Quiñones again left his mark against one of the Saudi Pro League’s strongest opponents. His latest goal extends a productive start to the campaign and keeps the Mexican among the country’s most prominent players abroad.
