Despite Liverpool holding firm on , the Saudi Pro League features several of 's most significant past players.
is starring for Al-Nassr, often deemed the leading Saudi club, and he's joined by Cristiano Ronaldo. Georginio Wijnaldum now finds himself under the management of at Al-Ettifaq. And across in Al-Ahli, vies for a position in the wake of their marquee signing Ivan Toney. While at Al-Ittihad, Fabinho shares the pitch with the likes of Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante.
The Saudi Pro League continues to show its aspirations, although it hasn't quite captured the attention of English football fans. Regardless, here's a look at how these ex-Reds are doing so far...
Mane is making waves at Al-Nassr with a strong campaign, notching up assists as well as finding the back of the net himself. After a season that saw him score 13 goals, Mane has hit the ground running this term, already providing five assists and scoring twice in just six matches.
Mane has also spoken up about the criticisms levelled at the quality of Saudi football, insisting on its high level. "You can see it, the level is impressive now," Mane expressed.
"I'd even say it's been since last year, but especially this year, too, as every team has strengthened in level."
Gerrard found himself as his Al-Ettifaq tenure encountered a rough patch. Although Al-Ettifaq, marshaled by captain Wijnaldum, started the season on a hot streak with three consecutive wins, their fortunes have dipped recently, slipping to eighth after two losses and a recent draw.
The tension reached a peak in a 1-0 defeat against Al-Raed, resulting in a fiery exchange between Gerrard and Al-Raed's manager Odair Hellmann.
Post-match, Hellmann was unrepentant, remarking to journalists: "He (Gerrard) is being criticized for the millions of dollars invested in his team since last year. And they lost to us with eight foreigners.
"We were left with three and five kids on the field. He was going crazy."
In a surge of candor, Hellmann added: "I demanded fair play from him in the first half and he got angry. I told him that fair play was only for his own benefit. And that they didn't need this attitude, they just had to play better, because there is no comparison in investment between the teams."
Roberto Firmino In another realm of football, woes compounded for Roberto Firmino with his Al-Ahli side and only a pair of victories this campaign.
The Brazilian forward managed to score in both victories but has been unable to find the back of the net in any other match, leading to him being benched for the last game, a loss against reigning champions Al-Hilal.
Firmino's transition to Saudi football hasn't been smooth and he hasn't consistently been in the starting line-up for his club, despite being named captain this season.
FabinhoOn the other hand, Fabinho is experiencing a slightly better run with his Al-Ittihad team, who have won all but one of their six matches and currently sit second in the league table.
However, that single defeat was handed to them by champions Al-Hilal, who have won all their games so far this season and are looking like early favorites to retain their title.
