Ollie Watkins Tops Saudi Pro League Assist Chart After Martinelli’s Al-Hilal Goal
Ollie Watkins moved to the top of the Saudi Pro League’s assist rankings after setting up Gabriel Martinelli in Al-Hilal’s 1-0 victory over Al-Qadsiah. The England international delivered a precise pass for the Brazilian’s 21st-minute finish, adding another highlight to an impressive start in the Roshn League.
The result came in the league’s 11th round, with Al-Hilal visiting Al-Qadsiah at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam on Friday. Martinelli’s goal proved decisive, but Watkins’ contribution also carried a significant individual milestone: it was his fifth assist of the campaign, putting him ahead of every other player in the competition.
Martinelli Extends His Scoring Run
Al-Hilal broke the deadlock when Watkins spotted Martinelli’s movement and rolled a low pass into his path. The forward took the opportunity confidently, sending the ball into the net to give the visitors an early lead.
The goal was Martinelli’s sixth in the Saudi Roshn League this season and his fourth consecutive league match with a goal. That steady run of form has made the Brazilian an increasingly important part of Al-Hilal’s attack, where his pace, directness and ability to finish from promising positions offer a constant threat.
For Al-Hilal, the strike also underlined the value of building quick, purposeful combinations in the final third. Rather than relying on a difficult individual effort, the goal came from Watkins’ awareness and Martinelli’s sharp run—an example of the understanding the pair are developing as the season progresses.
Watkins Leads the League’s Assist Race
Although Martinelli supplied the finishing touch, Watkins emerged as one of the match’s biggest talking points. His assist took him to five for the season, moving him clear at the top of the Roshn League chart. A group of players were close behind on four, including Al-Nassr’s Portuguese attacker João Félix, Moroccan winger Mourad Batna of Al-Fateh and Al-Qadsiah full-back Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat.
Watkins has made an immediate impact since joining from Aston Villa in the summer transfer window. Across eight appearances, he has been involved in 10 goals, scoring five and creating five. That balanced record highlights his influence as both a finisher and a provider, rather than a striker who depends on goals alone to shape matches.
His movement can draw defenders away from dangerous areas, while his passing gives teammates opportunities to attack space. The assist for Martinelli showed both qualities: Watkins recognised the forward’s run early and delivered the ball accurately enough for Martinelli to finish without slowing his momentum.
A Strong Start in a Competitive Saudi League
Watkins’ numbers are particularly notable in a league featuring several high-profile attacking players. The Saudi Roshn League has continued to attract international talent, raising the level of competition and making the race for goals and assists closely watched by supporters around the world.
Being top of the assist standings after eight appearances is an encouraging sign for Al-Hilal. Creative contributions from a centre-forward can make the team less predictable, giving opponents more than one threat to manage. When Watkins can score himself while also setting up players such as Martinelli, Al-Hilal have additional ways to turn possession into clear chances.
Martinelli’s current scoring streak adds another dimension. His four consecutive league matches with a goal suggest that he is finding consistency, while Watkins’ service gives Al-Hilal a reliable route to create opportunities. If the pair maintain their connection, their partnership could become a key feature of the club’s campaign.
What the Result Could Mean Going Forward
The 1-0 win over Al-Qadsiah offered Al-Hilal a valuable result in a demanding league schedule. Narrow victories often depend on small moments—a well-timed pass, a decisive run or a composed finish—and this match featured all three. Martinelli supplied the goal, while Watkins provided the pass that unlocked the defence.
For Al-Qadsiah, conceding early meant having to respond against a side capable of protecting a lead and threatening on the counter. The home team’s defensive challenge will be to limit the space available to Al-Hilal’s forwards in future meetings, particularly when Watkins is able to receive the ball and release runners quickly.
Looking ahead, the most compelling prediction is that Watkins will remain a major part of the league’s assist conversation if he continues to feature regularly and maintain his current level of involvement. Five assists in eight appearances is a strong platform, though the competition remains tight, with Félix, Batna and Abu Al-Shamat only one behind.
Martinelli also has reason for confidence. Six league goals and a four-game scoring streak put him in a promising position to keep contributing, provided he can sustain his sharp finishing and continue receiving quality service. For Al-Hilal fans, the combination of Watkins’ creativity and Martinelli’s scoring form offers plenty to watch as the season develops.
One goal settled the contest in Dammam, but the match delivered a broader message: Al-Hilal’s attacking options are beginning to click. Watkins is setting the pace among the league’s providers, Martinelli is scoring consistently, and their connection could prove important in the club’s pursuit of success across the Saudi football season.
